Parents in Shawano can now be fined for their child's bullying behavior



SHAWANO — Shawano is the latest Wisconsin community to adopt a policy that fines parents whose children repeatedly bully classmates.

Police will first issue a warning to parents if their child is involved in demeaning behavior. If the bullying continues after 90 days, parents can be fined $366. Another offense in one year would cost the parents $681.

WLUK-TV reports Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl says this has nothing to do with playground banter. This ordinance involves a child meticulously using social media or saying things that are vulgar in an attempt to hurt or humiliate a classmate.

Kohl says the ordinance passed recently by the City Council is similar to those in Plover and Monona.