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Cyber-Bullying School Policies Jessi Croft Georgia Southern University

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Cyber-Bullying School Policies Warwick School District. Cyber bullying. Retrieved from http://w ww.w a rwick. k12.pa.u s/ o rg mod u le.ph p?d eptid =10 7& s choolid=0007&mid=248 The first school policy examined was the policy of Warwick School District located in Lititz, PA. The policy begins by stating that bullying in any form is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. It then goes on to define what cyber-bullying is. They define cyber-bullying as bullying that includes, but not limited to, misuse of technology that harasses, teases, intimidates, threatens or terrorizes another student or staff member by tools such as e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, digital pictures or blogs that have the effect of harming a student physically, mentally, or emotionally. Also, placing a student in fear or creating a hostile environment. It finishes up by stating responsibilities of staff and faculty, the complaint procedure and consequences if this policy is violated. I feel like this policy has a lot of strengths. I like the detail in the policy so there can not be any question or confusion about what part of the policy could be violated. One section of the policy that caught my attention was the section on delegation of responsibility. It breaks down what responsibilities staff member and student have to report cyber-bullying. I think it is very important for everyone to know their role in reporting this issue. Another strength is the detail to which cyber-bullying is defined. Finally, I like that it states a complaint procedure so that no matter who or what is involved in cyber-bullying, the same procedures are followed. I did not quickly identify weaknesses of this policy because I feel like it is very well written. However, one weakness I feel for this policy is the lack of detail in disciplinary action if this policy is violated. It states that if this policy is violated, then disciplinary action will be taken and may include suspension and expulsion. I would like to see set procedures for violation of

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cyber bullying because I feel like this is an extremely important topic that deserves close attention serious actions if violated. Lake County Schools. Cyberbullying, Retrieved from: http://lake.k12.fl.us/16511031094951697/lib/16511031094951697/Policy_5.33.pdf Lake County Schools in Florida have established a policy on cyber bullying. They define cyber bullying as the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone, pager, text messages, instant messaging, websites and personal websites and they can occur off or on campus. They say that cyber bullying is meant threaten or harm others and cause emotional distress that may disrupt an individuals ability to learn. They also mention how cyber bullies tend to act. They have a very detailed action plan if bullying is reported. This policy has many strengths and one strength I like is that they address what types of characteristics cyber bullies tend to exhibit. Another thing that stands out is there is a list of ten questions to ask at minimum during investigation. It also states that if the bullying takes place outside of school, then the incident will be reported to law enforcement. It even states they will go as far as pulling some ones cell phone records. This school seems to be very aware of how serious cyber bullying can be. As far as weaknesses go, there are not many of this policy. The only weakness I can see if that the consequences are very generalized to all incidences in the school, not just cyber bullying. Overall this is a very well written policy and seems to address many different topics associated with cyber bullying.

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Memorial Boulevard Middle School, Bristol Public Schools. Cyber Bullying. Retrieved from: http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=5730 Bristol public schools in Bristol, Connecticut has established a policy on cyber bullying. They begin their policy by stating The Districts computer network and the Internet, whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or after school hours, may not be used for the purpose of harassment of any kind. They then go on to describe types of cyber bullying such as inappropriate or hurtful e-mail, instant messages, text messages, digital images or blogs. The next statement tells anyone who feels a victim of cyber bullying should not erase the material, they should print a copy and bring it to the attention of the administrators. Finally, the disciplinary actions that are possible are listed. This policy has some strengths similar to other policies I have looked at. Those strengths include explicit detail as to what cyber bullying is and what some examples of cyber bullying are. Another strength I found was not within the policy but yet how easily accessible the policy is to get to for parents or anyone else interested in the schools policies. Their policies are available on the schools website with a direct link to cyber bullying. Although I like this policy there are also weaknesses to the policy. Again, I see no direct consequences for cyber bullying itself. It is simply group with any other form of violation of school policy. I also think it would be beneficial for the school to have a distinct set of instructions on how to report cyber bullying and who to report it to.

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My Policy This Board of Education provides students with access to computers on campus. Students are expected to use these computers as educational resources only and not for personal use. Use of the schools computer system for bullying is prohibited. Users are responsible for the suitability of the manner in which they use the computers. Derogatory materials are not acceptable to be sent or created on school computers.

Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to the following misuses of technology: 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.

If a student or staff member believes they have been a victim of cyber bullying, they are to report it directly to a teacher or administrator for further investigation. No reporting will be taken lightly. All incidences will be looked into further. If the incidence has taken place off campus, it will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials. If cyber bullying has taken place on campus, the following procedures will apply: A student/staff that is found guilty of cyber bullying through use of school computers will lose computer privileges for up to 1 school year depending on the severity of the material. The student may also be subject to alternative school or expulsion. Staff may result in loss of professional position.

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