A new law went into effect for Illinois school districts on Jan. 1, combating cyberbullying from happening on social media sites outside of school.

This law gives school officials the power to require a student to disclose their password to school officials for any social media site if they are suspected of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is now a violation of the state’s school code, just like regular face to face bullying would be.

School districts feel that having the potential to access students’ online accounts will help prevent online harassment from happening, and, therefore, will put an end to cyberbullying all together.

The law has also required all school districts to be open about this new policy and inform parents that their child may be asked to provide their passwords if deemed necessary.

Students as well as parents are worried that this new policy may become an invasion of privacy, but schools have made it very clear that they are not interested in looking through students’ social media accounts just for fun.

While some school districts already have come up with plans to help carry out this new law, York High School is still trying to figure out what changes must be made.

Ms. Smith, principal of York High School, said that not a lot will be changing at York and they will be collaborating with other high schools in the area to decide how this policy will go into effect.

Triad Community Unit School District No. 2 shared their views on the new law through a letter sent out to all parents in the district:

“The district understands student privacy interests as well and will not haphazardly request social media passwords unless there is a need and will certainly involve parents through the process,” the letter said.

A password will only be requested if there is an ongoing bullying issue that must be stopped in order to prevent harm to a student or group of students.

Some York students were asked how they would feel if they were required to give their social media passwords to a school official.

“I think this is a good policy because it can prevent some serious cyberbullying.” Said Callie Pecoraro, Sophomore.

“Social media should be private.” Said Ashley Nacyk, Junior. “The school shouldn’t have anything to do with what people post online.”