POLICY CODE: GBNAA/JFCFA
CYBERBULLYING
The Board is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. Any form of harassment using electronic devices, commonly known as cyberbullying, by staff, students, or third parties is prohibited and will not be tolerated in the district. Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, or video) that defames, intimidates, harasses, or is otherwise intended to harm, insult, or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated, or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identity. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying. Staff and students will refrain from using personal communication devices or district property to harass or stalk another.
The district will take any report of cyberbullying seriously and will investigate credible reports promptly. Students are encouraged to report an incident immediately to a teacher or principal. Students who make a report are requested to preserve evidence of cyberbullying. For example, a student may save or bring a copy of an email, text message, picture or other electronic transmission that the student believes was intended to harm, insult, or humiliate.
Staff will take appropriate action and will bring it to the attention of the principal when students report an incident of cyberbullying. Staff will attempt to preserve evidence of the cyberbullying and will submit any evidence to the principal.
The district may revoke the privilege of a student or third party, who uses district equipment or electronic communication system to engage in cyberbullying, to use any district electronic equipment under the procedures for policy IIBGA – Electronic Communications System. The district may revoke the privilege of a student or third party, who uses a personal communication device to engage in cyberbullying, to bring any personal communication device on district property or district-sponsored activities under policy JFCE – Personal Communication Devices.
Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to loss of privileges, discipline, up to and including expulsion. Staff whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal. Third parties whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the superintendent or Board. The district may also report individuals to law enforcement if necessary.
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