Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves repeated and unwanted aggressive behavior using the Internet, cell phones or other digital devices and is used to hurt or embarrass another person. The National Crime Prevention Council found that 43% of teens had experienced some form of cyberbullying in the past year and that cyberbullying is most common among 15-16 year olds and more common among females than males. Because cyberbullying often occurs off campus and does not involve the use of school resources it is unclear whether schools can discipline students. The exception is if school officials can demonstrate, with evidence, that the cyberbullying has "substantially disrupted" the school's operations. Cyberbullying that occurs on campus is subject to school regulations and discipline. The National Crime Prevention Council and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention both recommend that schools have clear policies about the use of technology including how school personnel will respond to activities that occur off-campus. They also recommend that schools be proactive and work with students and their families to educate them about the responsible use of all social media. Schools are encouraged to teach students about what to do if they are cyberbullied, and about the implications of irresponsible use of social media. Finally, it is recommended that staff receive training about cyberbullying and how to respond when it occurs. (Contains 19 online resources.)