A new state law, aimed at stopping cyber bullying, gives Illinois schools the legal right to demand access to kids' social media accounts.
Some say the law goes too far.
Previously Illinois schools could take action against students only if online bullying - such as a tweet or Facebook post - happened during the school day or at a school-sanctioned activity.
Under a law that took effect January 1, 2015, school districts and universities in Illinois can demand a student’s social media password any time they have reasonable cause to believe that a student’s social network account contains evidence of a disciplinary rule violation.
That includes posts that happen outside of school hours and outside of school networks.
Some parents say the new law raises some concerns about privacy.
“It’s one thing for me to take my child’s social media account and open it up, or for the teacher to look or even a child to pull up their social media account," Sara Bozarth said to a reporter from our sister station KTVI, "But to have to hand over your password and personal information is not acceptable to me."
Some students say there still needs to be some separation between schools and what students do on their own time and on a personal device.
Supporters say the new law sends a strong message that threats and cyber bullying will not be tolerated.