Issues: Cyberbullying

Issues: Cyber bullying Melinda Walsh FRIT 7330

Issues: Cyberbullying Belson, R. (2010). Bullying, cyberbullying, and internet safety. Retrieved from: http://www.medfordpublicschools.org/for-parents/technology-resource-guide-for-parents/#policy Policy #1 This policy from Medford Public Schools defines cyber bullying as, bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which includes but is not limited to any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by such things as electronic mail, internet communications, instant message, text message or facsimile (Belson). This includes impersonation online to bully others, or posting material that is derogative in nature. This policy applies to students who are cyber bullying on campus, or off if the cyber bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the victim. The Policy outlines that not only will students be held responsible, but also any teacher or school employee who is aware of the bullying as well. The policy also states that lessons will be given to teach the students about cyber bullying. The policy also gives resources to parents and students who would like more information. There are many strengths to this policy. The policy specifically outlines what cyber bullying is and what constitutes cyber bullying. An important aspect of the policy is the fact that even if you have knowledge of cyber bullying, you are held responsible. The biggest strength of this policy is the specificity of what the students are not allowed to do. It gives definitions and explanations for issues that may be confusing. Overall, the policy is definitely adequate. There are a few weaknesses for this policy as well. One is that there is no clear punishment stated for violating the policy. It states that there will be punishment, but for students, they need to know what the punishment will be if the policy were to be violated. It may

Issues: Cyberbullying also help to give specific examples of cyber bullying in order for younger students to understand what it is. Policy #2 Cayote Creek Elementary School. Cyber-bullying. Retrieved from: http://www.ckes.srvusd.k12.ca.us/cyber_bullying This policy from Cayote Creek Elementary School defines cyber bullying as, Cyber Bullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices to willfully and repeatedly harm either a person or persons through the medium of electronic text, photos, or videos (CCES). There are several examples of what cyber-bullying includes such as sending cruel messages, creating cruel websites, posting students pictures without permission, etc. The students are not allowed to create a hostile environment on any aspect of technology or any new technologies that may emerge. The policy also includes the punishments for violating the policy with both a minimum and maximum punishment, along with the rule code the students would be violating. At the end of the policy is a set of action steps the students may take when they have been victims or have witnessed cyber bullying such as printing out the website, contacting administration, etc. There are several strengths to this policy. One is that it gives specific examples of what counts as cyber-bullying, along with a definition of what it includes. It also gives specific punishments of what will happen if the policy is violated. The biggest strength I found in the policy was the action steps the students/parents can take when a student has either been a victim of cyber-bullying, or has witnessed cyber-bullying. This way students can know what to do if they come across this situation.

Issues: Cyberbullying There are also weaknesses in this policy. One weakness is that cyber-bullying might also encompass more than just the examples given. The policy needed to be a little more specific in the definition of cyber bullying and what it encompasses. Another weakness is in the punishments stated for violating the policy. Because this policy is for an elementary school, the punishment and rules being violated may also want to be stated in the policy in kid-friendly terms, because the way it is stated now can be too hard for a young student to comprehend. Policy #3 Highlands Board of Education. Policy: Cyberbullying. Retrieved from: http://www.highlandselementary.org/highlands/School%20Information/CyberBullying %20Policy/ This policy from the Highlands Board of Education defines cyber bullying as the use of any type of technological resource to threaten or harass individuals or groups, place fear of harm in an individual, or to disrupt the operation of the school. This policy is in place for any school operating system, which is any technology run by the school. The policy states that any student who has been victim or witness to cyberbullying must immediately report this to the principal. The Principal at that time will investigate and punish if necessary. If the incident happened off of campus, the principal reserves the right to call in outside authorities, and punish the student from within the school for disrupting the operation of the school. There are several laws in place stated in the policy in which the students are required to follow. The school also pledges to give students lessons on what cyber bullying is and how to prevent it. If a student gives false information to incriminate a student, that student may also be punished.

Issues: Cyberbullying There are several strengths to this policy. One strength is how specific the policy is. The students are well aware of what they are not allowed to do. The policy is written so as to explain the definition of cyber bullying and what goes along with it. The punishments are clear for the students to see and abide by. It also gives guidance as to what you do when you see cyber bullying and what actions will be taken by the principal. It also states students are not allowed to falsify accusations and gives the punishments for that as well. There are a few weaknesses to the policy. One is the wordiness of the policy. The students, especially younger ones, may have trouble understanding what it means. The Board may want to also create a kid-friendly version of this policy. Overall, this is a very clear policy.

My Policy: Cyber bullying is defined as the use of any sort of technological resource to intently harm or threaten another person. This includes but is not limited to: -Posting derogatory comments about another student, teacher, or faculty member on a website, text message, phone, wiki, etc. -Posting pictures of another student, teacher, faculty member without their permission -Sending threatening emails, chats, text messages, etc. -Any sort of activity that upsets the order of the school

Any technological resource includes websites, cell phones, wikis, blogs, or any type of technological resource that has yet to be created. This includes any technological resource found on school property, and off if the bullying creates a threatening environment for the victim.

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Reporting: If anyone has knowledge of cyber bullying or is a victim of cyber bullying, they are to report the activity immediately to a person of authority, whether it be the classroom teacher or the principal. The person of authority then must report the activity to the Principal so an investigation can begin. The Principal will launch a full investigation into every claim of cyber bullying. The Principal also reserves the right to contact authorities if the situation warrants it, or if the situation occurred off of campus.

Repercussions: Any student who fails to follow the school policy on Cyber bullying, will be subject to a thorough investigation and if found guilty, will face the consequences deemed necessary by the Principal which could be but not limited to: -After school detention for up to 2 weeks -In-School-Suspension for 3-5 days -Out of School Suspension for up to 10 days -Expulsion

Any student who was found to have knowledge of cyber bullying occurring that does not report it to an authority will also be subject to repercussions such as detention or ISS. This is the policy of our school on the subject of Cyberbullying. It is subject to change at any point with the integration of new technologies.

Issues: Cyberbullying