Cyberbullying

Master Account • December 12, 2025

In the age of social media, group chats, and online platforms, bullying doesn’t stop at the classroom door. For University of Arkansas students, cyberbullying can lead to serious consequences—ranging from university discipline to criminal charges under Arkansas law.


At Taylor Law Partners in Fayetteville, we represent students facing allegations of cyberbullying as well as those harmed by online harassment. Understanding how the law and university policies treat cyberbullying is key to protecting your rights and your future.

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Key Takeaways

Cyberbullying Defined Harassment, threats, or humiliation using digital platforms (texts, social media, group chats, email).
Arkansas Law Harassing Communications (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-71-209) prohibits electronic messages sent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person.
University Policy UA’s Code of Student Conduct prohibits harassment, bullying, and misuse of technology.
Consequences Can include fines, probation, suspension, expulsion, and a permanent mark on your record.
Prevention Avoid threats, repeated unwanted messages, and spreading rumors online.

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Arkansas Law on Cyberbullying


While Arkansas does not have a statute labeled “cyberbullying,” conduct often falls under Harassing Communications:

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-71-209 — A person commits the offense if, with the purpose to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, they:

  • Communicate repeatedly in an electronic manner that is likely to harass or alarm, or
  • Make a telephone or electronic communication using profane, threatening, or obscene language.

Penalties: Harassing Communications is generally a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500), but can be enhanced depending on circumstances.

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Common Issues for University of Arkansas Students


Cyberbullying cases often involve:

  • Group Chats Gone Wrong — repeated targeting of a classmate or roommate
  • Social Media Posts — shaming or spreading false rumors
  • Threatening DMs — aggressive or intimidating private messages
  • Exclusion or Piling On — coordinated online harassment from multiple students
  • Screenshots & Receipts — even deleted posts can be saved and used as evidence

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Consequences of Cyberbullying


  • Criminal Liability — Harassing Communications charges under Arkansas law
  • University Discipline — Sanctions under the Code of Student Conduct (including probation, suspension, or expulsion)
  • Civil Liability — Victims may sue for defamation, emotional distress, or related claims
  • Permanent Record Impact — Criminal charges and school discipline may affect job, scholarship, and grad school opportunities

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How to Protect Yourself


  • Think before you post — once shared, digital messages can’t be taken back
  • Avoid repeated messaging — “spamming” someone with unwanted texts or DMs can be considered harassment
  • Don’t pile on — joining in group bullying makes you just as responsible
  • Save evidence — if you are a victim, screenshot and document harmful posts or messages
  • Get legal advice early — don’t wait until after a hearing or charge is filed

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Cyberbullying cases can escalate quickly—impacting your academic career, reputation, and even your freedom. Whether you are accused of harassment or are the victim of online abuse, Taylor Law Partners helps University of Arkansas students navigate both the legal system and university discipline.


If you’re facing a cyberbullying issue at the University of Arkansas, contact Taylor Law Partners today for a confidential consultation.

   Call: (479) 316 – 6300
   Office: Taylor Law Partners, 211 E. Dickson Street Ste. 1, Fayetteville, AR 72701
   Website: https://taylorlawpartners.com

Defamation/Libel

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
In today’s world, social media posts travel fast —but so can the consequences. For University of Arkansas students, online comments made in frustration, anger, or even as a joke may lead to defamation lawsuits or university discipline . Under Arkansas law, defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement of fact about another person that harms their reputation. When those statements are written or published—such as on Twitter/X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or group chats —the claim is called libel . Spoken defamation is called slander . At Taylor Law Partners in Fayetteville , we represent students on both sides of defamation matters, whether you’re accused of posting harmful content or the victim of damaging false statements. _______________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Title IX Discrimination

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding. For University of Arkansas students, this means protection against unequal treatment, harassment, and retaliation in academics, athletics, housing, and student life. At Taylor Law Partners, we represent students involved in Title IX discrimination cases—whether you are making a complaint, responding to one, or facing related university discipline. _______________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Property Damage

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
Damaging someone else’s property — whether intentionally or accidentally — can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. For University of Arkansas students, a criminal mischief or property damage charge can impact your criminal record, housing status, and even future job opportunities. At Taylor Law Partners, we defend UA students facing property damage allegations in Fayetteville and throughout Northwest Arkansas, working to reduce penalties and protect academic and professional futures. _______________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Roommate Disputes

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
L iving with a roommate can be a rewarding experience, but it can also lead to conflicts over rent, bills, noise, guests, personal property, or shared responsibilities. For University of Arkansas students, unresolved roommate disputes can escalate into eviction notices, housing contract issues, or even legal claims. At Taylor Law Partners, we help UA students navigate roommate conflicts, enforce housing rights, and resolve disputes before they impact your academic or personal life. ______________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Landlord/Tenant Disputes

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
Renting a home or apartment while attending the University of Arkansas can be a great option, but it comes with potential conflicts. Landlord/tenant disputes are common for UA students and can involve lease disagreements, rent disputes, maintenance issues, eviction threats, and Fair Housing concerns.  At Taylor Law Partners, we help students and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under Arkansas law while navigating disputes with landlords. ______________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Nuisance Claims

By Chris Rosteck • December 12, 2025
Loud parties, music, or gatherings can quickly turn from fun to problematic if neighbors, landlords, or the University of Arkansas allege nuisance or noise violations. Nuisance claims can come from on-campus housing, off-campus apartments, or private residences, and they can lead to fines, eviction, or even civil lawsuits. At Taylor Law Partners, we help UA students and their families navigate nuisance and noise disputes, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you resolve conflicts before they escalate. _________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Disorderly Conduct

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
A disorderly conduct charge may seem minor, but for University of Arkansas students, it can carry serious consequences. Disorderly conduct can result from disruptive behavior on campus, at parties, or in public places, and can affect your criminal record, housing, and even university standing. At Taylor Law Partners, we defend UA students facing disorderly conduct allegations in Fayetteville and across Northwest Arkansas. We focus on minimizing legal and academic consequences while protecting your rights. _____________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways 

Plagiarism & Cheating

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
Plagiarism and Cheating at the University of Arkansas

Stalking

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
A stalking charge is a serious matter for University of Arkansas students. Allegations of stalking can result in criminal prosecution, no-contact orders, and University disciplinary action under Title IX and the Code of Student Life. Even an accusation can damage your reputation, relationships, and educational opportunities. At Taylor Law Partners, we provide strong, experienced defense for students facing stalking charges in Fayetteville and across Northwest Arkansas. ____________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways

Sexual Harassment

By Master Account • December 12, 2025
Accusations of sexual harassment can have serious consequences for University of Arkansas students. Even without criminal charges, a finding of responsibility under the University’s Title IX process can lead to suspension, expulsion, and lasting damage to your reputation and future opportunities. At Taylor Law Partners, we represent students accused of sexual harassment in both University disciplinary proceedings and related legal matters. We know how high the stakes are, and we provide the experienced guidance and defense you need. _____________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways