County Exec. Maggie Brooks signs legislation to prohibit cyber bullying | News

Monroe County is leading the way to prevent cyber bullying. Monday morning, County Executive Maggie Brooks signed historic legislation to go after young people who use technology to bully teenagers.

This come one day after a state law went into effect which forces school districts to have a "dignity coordinator" handle bullying incidents. That state law won't address cyber bulling until 2013.

The Monroe County law says anyone under 18 who uses technology to attack or intimidate their victim can be prosecuted. The penalty can range from a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

News10NBC was at Fellows Road Park in Perinton Monday morning as Brooks and the co-sponsors of the legislation witnessed the signing. Students, parents and teachers were in the crowd watching.

It's believed that 20-percent of all children under the age of 18 have been victims of cyber bullying through social networking sites, phone call or text messages.

County Executive Brooks calls this a groundbreaking step in the fight to protect those kids. “This action will, without a doubt, send a message loud and clear across our community that the hearts and minds of our children will be protected, no matter where cyber bullying attacks originate from."

Some county legislators have complained that this bill doesn't go far enough because it only protects victims under the age of 18 and the punishments only apply to cyber bullies over 18.