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What are Utah laws on harassment or cyberbullying

UTAH LAW

Harassment and Cyberbullying in Utah What Counts and What To Do Next

Plain-English laws, reporting routes, evidence checklist, and safety steps

Utah Law Explained breaks down how Utah handles harassment and cyberbullying across schools, workplaces, and online spaces. Utah takes these issues seriously, especially when minors are involved or conduct crosses into threats or stalking.

This guide explains which laws apply, what behavior qualifies, and exactly how to report, document, and protect yourself under Utah law. Whether the issue is happening at school, at work, or online, you will find clear steps for action and safety.

01

Utah Laws That Apply

Harassment and cyberbullying in Utah are covered by several criminal and administrative statutes. These create overlapping protections so victims can use both criminal and school or workplace processes.

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Harassment — § 76-5-109

Repeated or intentional contact, insults, or threats meant to alarm or annoy another person, including patterns of unwanted contact.

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Electronic Communication — § 76-9-201

Phone, text, email, or online messages that are obscene, threatening, or meant to intimidate, including anonymous or repeated messages.

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Safe Schools Act — § 53G-9-601 et seq.

Requires every school district to have written bullying and cyberbullying policies, document reports, and investigate in a reasonable time.

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Related Offenses

Threat of violence — § 76-5-107 and stalking — § 76-5-106 may apply where conduct escalates or includes credible threats.

02

Report It Where It Happened

Use the channels that match the setting. Schools and employers must follow policy. Police handle threats, stalking, and criminal harassment.

Schools Report to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Districts must document and investigate bullying and cyberbullying under the Safe Schools Act.
Workplaces Report to HR if the harasser is a coworker or supervisor. Employers can be liable if they ignore verified reports.
Law enforcement File a police report for threats, stalking, or repeated unwanted contact. Cyberharassment can be charged at Class B misdemeanor or higher depending on severity.

Jurisdiction tip: even if conduct occurs online, Utah can prosecute when the victim is in Utah or the offender communicates from within Utah.

03

Evidence, Orders, and Charges

Evidence Checklist

Screenshots: Texts, DMs, posts with timestamps. Save sender info and URLs where possible.
Logs: Call logs and voicemails. Record dates and times for each incident and any witnesses.
Storage: Download copies to a secure folder and keep an offline backup in case posts are deleted.

Protective Orders

Options: Protective orders and stalking injunctions can prohibit contact and online harassment.
Fit: Use when there is a pattern, credible threats, or fear for safety. Ask police or a court clerk how to file.

Criminal Charges

Possible charges: Harassment, electronic communication harassment, threat of violence, or stalking depending on facts.
Severity: Penalties increase with threats, prior conduct, or victim vulnerability.

School or Workplace Action

Schools: Investigation, parent contact, discipline, and possible referral to law enforcement.
Employers: Policy enforcement up to termination. Keep HR informed of any retaliation after your report.
04

Your 5 Step Response Plan

1

Understand the Conduct

Identify whether it is harassment, electronic communication harassment, bullying at school, or a related offense like stalking.

2

Document and Preserve

Screenshot messages, save emails and voicemails, and record dates and times before you block or delete anything.

3

Report to the Right Place

Schools for student cases, HR for workplace issues, and police for threats, stalking, or repeated unwanted contact.

4

Consider Court Orders and Safety

Ask about protective orders or stalking injunctions. Adjust privacy settings and block abusive accounts.

5

Follow Up and Track

Log responses from schools, HR, or police. Note any retaliation or continued messages and add new evidence to your file.

Need Help Applying This To Your Situation?

If you are unsure which route fits your case, a short consult can clarify options under Utah law and help you avoid mistakes.

Talk to a Utah Attorney
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Video and Social Learning Hub

Key Takeaways

Multiple Utah laws cover harassment and cyberbullying. Schools and employers must follow policy alongside criminal enforcement.

Evidence matters. Save screenshots, logs, and timestamps before you block or delete anything.

If threats or stalking are present, ask about protective orders or stalking injunctions and contact law enforcement.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, talk with a Utah attorney.

Next Step

Start with documentation and report through the correct channel. If safety is a concern, prioritize orders and contact police.

Get Utah Specific Guidance

SafeUT offers confidential crisis help at 1-833-372-3388. Call 911 if you believe you are in immediate danger.

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