The Internet in the Classroom Issues Assignment # 3 Cyber Bullying Meghan Roberts July 7th, 2012

Policy # 1 Johnston County Schools. (14 May 2012). Policy code: 4226 student use of social networking sites, blogging, and the interent. Retrieved from: http://policy.microscribepub.com/cgibin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=381014&depth=2& infobase=johnston.nfo&record=%7BB10%7D&softpage=PL_frame The Johnston County School Districts policy on cyber bullying is unique in that it also addresses cyber bullying that occurs off-campus or outside of school. According to its policy the main components of cyber bullying include engaging in behavior involving cyber bullying and/or internet threats as well as prohibited postings, messages, or other postings. Any postings which violate school district rules, contain threats against staff members or students, threaten vandalism to school property, suggest physical harm to staff members or students, creates a disruption to the schools educational mission, uses profane or offensive language, pictures, or graphics, uses internet to defame the board, school system, staff, or students, and posting pictures of school system employees without permission will be treated with a consequence. This version of their cyber bullying policy was adopted in May of 2012. One strength I see in this policy is the fact that it also pertains to cyber bullying that occurs outside of school. All to often, Ive seen the effects of cyber bullying on friends and students. They mention in their policy how the effects of cyber bullying outside of school does effect what happens in school and I believe this to be true. Also, the great detail and in-depth description of each violation makes it clear to parents, students, staff, etc. exactly what is considered cyber bullying. The only weakness I see with this policy is the lack of description of consequences for violating this policy.

Policy # 2 Bristol County Schools. (15 September 2010). Policy 5131.913 cyberbullying. Retrieved from: http://policy.cabe.org/bristol/ Bristol County School Districts cyber bullying policy also includes cyber bullying outside of school. According to its policy cyber bullying includes (but is not limited to): harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings, including blogs. The policy also notes that often times the author (poster or sender) of the inappropriate material is disguised or logon on as someone else. The disciplinary actions may include: the loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension, or expulsion. Also, when any kind of threat is communicated the administration will report such crimes to local law enforcement officials. One of the main strengths of this policy is the acknowledgement that often times the author is disguised. While this makes it more difficult to determine the author, its important to note that you cannot guarantee the real author is the name posted. Another strength of this policy is the in-depth description of each violation of the policy making sure students and teachers aware of what cyber bullying is. I feel that Bristol County School Districts policy on cyber bullying is detailed, includes consequences, includes a list of actions considered cyber bullying, and notes that bullying or threatening is a law enforcement issue. With all of these items taken into consideration, I feel that there are no weaknesses for this policy.

Policy # 3 San Ramon Valley Unified School District. (14 December 2010). District cyberbullying Policy. Retrieved from: http://www.wrms.srvusd.net/cyberbullying Verified policy using the following district webpage: http://www.srvusd.k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1294471484764

The San Ramon Valley Unified School Districts policy on cyber bullying starts out by defining what exactly cyber bullying is. According to its policy cyber bullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices to willfully harm another person(s) through the medium of electronic text, photo, or video. The policy also includes examples; sending false messages, creating websites that have stories/etc. ridiculing others, breaking into an email account and sending harmful materials to others, engaging someone in electronic communication and then tricking that person into revealing personal information, posting a student picture without permission. The policy also lists the devices or forms of technology used to cyber bully others. The consequences listed are minimum 1-day suspension and maximum penalty expulsion. The strengths of this policy include the in-depth description and definition of what cyber bullying actually is. Also, the policy lists the minimum and maximum penalties a person can receive for cyber bullying. One weakness of this policy is an in-depth step-by-step process of how a student would be penalized for cyber bullying. The minimum and maximum are posted, but there is no more detail as far as when each penalty would be given.

Newly Developed Cyber Bullying Policy for My School: Cyber Bullying is the act of using technology to harm another person or group of people. Cyber Bullying includes (but is not limited to): Sending harmful or false messages Posting stories, pictures, or jokes ridiculing others Engaging in electronic communication with someone and tricking that person into revealing personal information Posting a picture of a student or staff member without their permission Posting anything that violates school district rules Posting anything that threatens violence against staff members or students Posting anything that threatens vandalism to school property Posting profane or offensive language or pictures that could cause a disruption to the school environment Consequences: Any form of harassment or threatening will be reported to the local law enforcement officials. The administration team will work together to decide on a consequence as it relates to each individual situation. The minimum consequence being detention and the maximum consequence being expulsion.