West Virginia Code
Article 3C. West Virginia Computer Crime and Abuse Act
§61-3C-14c. Cyberbullying or Specific Acts of Electronic Harassment of Minors; Definitions; Penalties; Exceptions


(a) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally use a computer or computer network, as defined in §61-3C-3, to engage in conduct with the intent to harass, intimidate, or bully a minor, including, but not limited to:
(1) Posting, disseminating or encouraging others to post or disseminate private, personal, or sexual information pertaining to a minor on the Internet; or
(2) Posting obscene material, as defined in §61-3C-14a of this code, in a real or doctored image of a minor on the Internet;
(b) For the purposes of this section:
(1) “Harass, intimidate or bully” means any intentional gesture, or any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act, communication, transmission or threat that:
(A) A reasonable person under the circumstances should know the act will have the effect of any one or more of the following:
(i) Physically harming a minor;
(ii) Damaging a minor’s property;
(iii) Placing a minor in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person; or
(iv) Placing a minor in reasonable fear of damage to his or her property; or
(B) Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or emotionally abusive environment for a minor.
(2) “Minor” means an individual under the age of 18 years old.
(c) This section does not apply to a peaceful activity intended to:
(i) Express a political view; or
(ii) Provide information to others with no intent to harass, intimidate, or bully.
(d) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500 or confined in jail for a period not to exceed one year, or both confined and fined.

Structure West Virginia Code

West Virginia Code

Chapter 61. Crimes and Their Punishment

Article 3C. West Virginia Computer Crime and Abuse Act

§61-3C-1. Short Title

§61-3C-2. Legislative Findings

§61-3C-3. Definitions

§61-3C-4. Computer Fraud; Access to Legislature Computer; Criminal Penalties

§61-3C-5. Unauthorized Access to Computer Services

§61-3C-6. Unauthorized Possession of Computer Data or Programs

§61-3C-7. Alteration, Destruction, etc., of Computer Equipment

§61-3C-8. Disruption of Computer Services

§61-3C-9. Unauthorized Possession of Computer Information, etc.

§61-3C-10. Disclosure of Computer Security Information

§61-3C-11. Obtaining Confidential Public Information

§61-3C-12. Computer Invasion of Privacy

§61-3C-13. Fraud and Related Activity in Connection With Access Devices

§61-3C-14. Endangering Public Safety

§61-3C-14a. Obscene, Anonymous, Harassing and Threatening Communications by Computer, Cell Phones and Electronic Communication Devices; Penalty

§61-3C-14b. Soliciting, etc. a Minor via Computer; Soliciting a Minor and Traveling to Engage the Minor in Prohibited Sexual Activity; Penalties

§61-3C-14c. Cyberbullying or Specific Acts of Electronic Harassment of Minors; Definitions; Penalties; Exceptions

§61-3C-15. Computer as Instrument of Forgery

§61-3C-16. Civil Relief; Damages

§61-3C-17. Defenses to Criminal Prosecution

§61-3C-18. Venue

§61-3C-19. Prosecution Under Other Criminal Statutes Not Prohibited

§61-3C-20. Personal Jurisdiction

§61-3C-21. Severability