What Does a Cyberbullying Policy for a High School Look like?
/The answer to this question varies greatly depending on your individual school district and its dedication to ending one of the most insidious and damaging problems for young people today. A high school cyberbullying policy seeks to attack an issue that affects far too many children and teenagers all across the country. As a parent or guardian, you should read or ask questions about the cyberbullying policy and understand the protections in place for your child.
Cyberbullying Definition
First, the high school should define how they define cyberbullying. Bullying in general involves repeated actions. A single incident is often not enough for this label, but administrators should view it as a red flag that could lead to more problems. The standard meaning of the term includes:
Any online activity designed to harm another student.
Internet actions intended to cause fear of that harm.
Activities focused on intimidation, abuse, hostility, or threat.
Actions that stop a student from taking part in school activities.
Intentional disruptions in the educational or social experience.
Cyberbullying Responsibilities and Response
Bullies succeed with their intimidation and harm for as long as they can until someone takes definitive action against them. The high school cyberbullying policy must include clear rules about investigation and reporting that empower other students, parents, and teachers to speak up right away. Consistent response matters most when a student already feels singled out or excluded.
Consequences of Cyberbullying
What is the punishment for the actions defined as cyberbullying? The high school documentation should clearly outline what will happen to the bully, when, and for how long. This may include detention, suspension, or loss of privileges. Parental notification is an obvious step to take.
Distinction Between School-related and Outside Issues
Schools are legally allowed to address cyberbullying and other issues that occur off-campus or outside school hours. Whether an individual high school does so or not is a matter for their written policy. After all, aggressive or inflammatory posts or actions that students see online in the evening can disrupt the educational process just as easily as if they check their social media account during the school day.
Outline of Prevention Strategies
Besides information about individual cyberbullying experiences, the high school should reveal their efforts to stop the problem before it happens. Prevention is always preferred over even the strictest response. For example, does the school promote an atmosphere of positive socialization and emotional support, encourage peers to speak up, and focus on student well-being and inclusion overall?
Cyberbullying has become a serious issue for both teenagers and children in all school districts around the country. The popularity of the digital landscape for socializing, entertainment, and education has made a new playground for bullies who want to hurt others in non-physical ways. Contact your local high school or district administration to learn about how they define bullying and what mechanisms are in place to protect your teenager from its negative effects.
