Anti-Cyberbullying School Policies
Recently, several cyberbullying stories have emerged in the press, most notably those of Megan Meier and Billy Wolfe. As media attention escalates and parents' and guardian's ire grows, several U.S. schools have begun adopting anti-cyberbullying policies or expanding their current bullying policies to include electronic bullying. Some schools have adopted these policies under pressure or direct mandate from their state governments, as is the case in Arkansas. Privacy advocates opposing these school policies are asking, "Where does the school's authority end?"
Experts on both sides of the debate are weighing in. For instance, free speech advocates argue that schools do not have a legal right to discipline students for online activities that occur off school premises. However, Jace Shoemaker Galloway, Chairperson of the Macomb Online Safety Team and Internet Safety blogger, contends that "Electronic bullying that occurs away from school that creates a 'substantial disruption' in school, should not be condoned or tolerated."
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, there are still plenty of strategies schools can use to combat cyberbullying. Consider talking to your child's school about these options
- Starting a dialogue in the classroom making sure students understand cyberbullying and its possible consequences
- Enacting a mediation plan with school counselors when cyberbullying incidents occur; the issue may be resolved with a bit of intervention
- Encouraging students to start an awareness group at school or online to educate their peers about cyberbullying
- Encouraging students to speak up without fear of recrimination if they know of someone who is the victim of cyberbullying.
Above all, parents, guardians, schools, and communities should work together to explore various ways to prevent and fight cyberbullying and ensure a safer online experience for all children.
