Cyber Bullying

Bullying has unfortunately always been a reality for some school children. Bullies have always existed and school personnel are always on the lookout to prevent bullying. Now bullies have a new way to prey on their victims - cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is using technology to threaten, insult, or harass. Cell phones and the Internet allow for aggressive expression toward others that doesn't rely on physical strength or even physical contact. Students who cyber bully can quickly and aggressively spread rumors, threats, hate mail, or embarrassing photos through text messages, emails and instant messages.

It is all too easy for bullies to remain anonymous. It is much easier for those who cyber bully to harass when they are able to hide their identities with false screen names or temporary email addresses. A recent study found that 42% of the student respondents had been bullies online, and one in four more than once. 35% indicated they had been threatened online with nearly one in five having been threatened more than once. 53% admit to having said something mean or hurtful to another person online. These statistics point to the insidious misuse of these technologies.

The Genesee School District passed Policy 310.17 - electronic communication devices to provide an avenue to deal with misuse of cell phones and other electronic communication devices. Existing policies regarding harassment and bullying have been in place for some time. The District has no tolerance for bullying of any kind. Students, or parents of students, who feel they have been subject to bullying or harassment at school should contact the Principal and complete the Harassment Reporting Form available on our web site.

Parents can help their children to use new technologies appropriately by talking about Internet safety:

• not giving out personal information
  
• not responding to suggestive, threatening and belligerent messages, and
  
• not clicking on links in email from people they do not know

Also explain cyber bullying and what your child can do to prevent it. Consider including the following:

• do not respond to or forward emails and messages that are mean or spread rumors
• don't open emails or messages from someone they know bullies others
• block messages from anyone who cyber bullies
• save or print all bullying messages
• show the messages to an adult they trust - like a parent or teacher - and ask for help
• never arrange to meet someone who bullies them online

The District response to all cyber bullying is:

• teach lessons to educate students about cyber bullying
• respond quickly and sensitively to cyber bullying reports
• take seriously families' concerns about cyber bullying
• look into all report cyber bullying incidents