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Cyberbullying Policies Associated with National, State or Local Education Agencies

Vicki R. Yoe For Dr. Elizabeth Downs Georgia Southern FRIT 7330 Summer 2011

2 (Lake County School Board of Education). School board policy manual, ( 2011, chap. 5) http://lake.k12.fl.us/16511031094951697/lib/16511031094951697/Policy_5.33.pd f Lake County Schools has researched information, provided policies and created consequences concerning various types of aggression. Lately, more and more aggressive behaviors towards individuals have taken place in cyberspace, a term commonly associated with the Internet and virtual environments. Among these defined areas are Cyberstalking and Cyberbullying. The policy manual laid out data pertaining to expectations of students and parents in regards to conduct which is acceptable, as well as unacceptable in terms of the above mentioned concepts. One can see that this policy was well planned. The authors wrote in Laymans terms, a term defined in Wikipedia as a person who is a non-expert in a given field of knowledge. That means, it was written so that individuals who are not familiar with technology much less the ramifications in regards to aggressive behavior via the Internet, and so forth, may understand. It is also formatted so the reader has easy access to the information. I also discerned a great strength in the fact that even the most common of terms, such as staff was well-defined. In case of an event, a clear method pertaining to who is in charge and how to contact an authority is detailed; as well as tips for anonymous reporting. An exceptional element discussed was that inappropriate behavior off campus will more than likely bring about consequences to the aggressor. One apparent weakness was the lack of definition of the word coercion. It would be a good idea to delineate clear characterization as well as situations associated with this term. Another weakness may be found in that the examiner may read and understand an offense, but be forced to look elsewhere in the document to find the consequence.

3 (Mooresville Graded School District. Student code of conduct, ( 2010-2011) http://www.mgsd.k12.nc.us/MGSD/Student_Code_of_Conduct_files/SCOC-Body2010_1.pdf The Mooresville Graded School District has been the subject of various reports regarding state of the art technology usage. Mr. Bill Goodwyn, Discovery Education Chief Executive, stated in a recent article for the Wall Street Journal that Mooresville is a school system at the forefront of a trend that will gain momentum in the years ahead as broadband access increases in the U.S. and more communities realize the value of digital education tools. (Worden, N. 2011) As part of this technology component, a cyberbullying policy has been put in place. It is included in the school district Student Code of conduct 2010-2011 and includes offences and consequences. Strength of the policy can be noted in its clear emphasis on whom is considered school personnel and what is considered school-related activity or location. Students are informed as to what constitutes certain threats such as written, verbal or cyber assaults. Consequences for assaults are mapped out in a table which includes consequences at the elementary, middle and high school level. Weaknesses occurred in several instances. First, the above mentioned policy is concerned with attacks specifically on adults. The concept of cyberbullying is included within the general technology guidelines concerning usage of the Internet, and so forth. Emphasis is placed on responsible and appropriate use, and while specifics are mentioned, they are not defined. Most defined appeared to be that of commercial activity in which money is involved. Cyberbullying is not clearly implicated as an idea that holds more merit than say the altering an image or modification of files.

4 (Warwick School District. School board policy manual, (1997-Present) http://www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=107&schoolid=0007&mid=248 The Warwick School District has developed a plan for bullying to include cyberbullying. The policy suggests that bullying of any kind is not conducive to a safe and positive learning environment. The policy consists of definitions, delegation of responsibility and complaint procedure. Strengths appeared in the fact that policy exists. The fact that the Warwick School District possesses awareness of 21st century issues and has mapped out a progressive approach to todays societal issues is evident. The policy was an easy read and was accessible online and in hardcopy. Definitions were provided with enumerated specifics below each description. In one explanation the term teasing is used. Most readers would readily identify with terminology used on a daily basis. Weakness was evident in the other terminology used throughout the document. The term reasonable was used in regards to several areas of depiction. Multiple areas of information were vague such as encourage the student which then continued on to the student shall. Also, the document designates staff members the responsibility of maintaining safety while designating the students the same responsibilities. It is clearly an effort on all concerned, but said efforts are not distinguished. Specific consequences are in place, but cannot be discerned by the reader. Apparently, the principal of the school will make a decision based on the severity of the occurrence. Unfortunately, this could lead to conflicts of interest when it comes to the punishment of offenders.

5 My Cyberbullying Policy Faculty, Staff, Parents and Students: Cyberbullying will not be tolerated in this educational setting. Cyberbullying is a dangerous behavior that can be potentially very damaging to an individual or group of individuals. It also interferes with the instructional environment. Staff suspected of cyberbullying will be suspended with pay until investigation is complete. Students suspected of cyberbullying will be suspended with tribunal dates. Consequences for behaviors will be designated by school district personnel officially charged with those duties.

What is Cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is bullying which harms another person emotionally via electronic technologies. These technologies consist of, but are not limited to the following: 1. Cell Phones 2. Email 3. Social Internet Networks 4. Personal Websites 5. Pagers

What are examples of emotionally harmful cyberbullying? 1. Calling a person and saying mean things to them which threaten or demean them. This means saying things to them which may make them feel bad about themselves or feel that other types of harm may come to them. 2. Emailing a person with the same types of threats or demeaning language. Also, emailing photos, etc. of them or other people which contain harmful elements.

6 3. Placing harmful language or photos concerning a person on Facebook, MySpace, or other social networks. This may include speaking at all about a person whom you know little about or is not your friend. 4. Creating your own personal website is fine. But, you may not speak harmfully about someone nor place photos or other types of harmful media about a person on your website. 5. Constant paging of numbers to call, when said person has no interest in you, or when your intent is to say demeaning or threatening things to them is cyberbullying.

What do I do if someone is cyberbullying me? If you feel you are being cyberbullied, first and foremostget some proof. You need to do this as quickly as possibly because technologies allow the perpetrator remarkable speed. When at all possible: 1. Copy and paste language used against you into a database. 2. Bookmark websites. 3. Document all phone numbers/pager numbers associated with the incidents. 4. List the name of the person or persons along with your other information. 5. Tell your parents and seek help immediately from a school authority.

6. Do not try to handle matters yourself. This may implicate you as well.

7 Why is it so important that I seek help? This type of behavior may create problems to your health and well-being. Remember, bullies are cowards. However, seeking proper assistance is the only clear route to stopping and preventing acts of bullying.

What if I still feel afraid after the incidents have been stopped? See your counselor immediately so he or she can evaluate your situation and designate appropriate support for you.