Cyberbullying
What is Cyberbullying/Harassment?
Cyberbullying includes the creation or transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person's electronic account and assuming that person's identity in order to damage that person's reputation.
Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited, bullying through online messages, texts, sounds, videos, or images. Sending or posting of unwanted comments, images, videos, and pictures that are done to intentionally harm or bully a student using school-facilitated virtual mediums is prohibited.
Cyberbullying can also include Cyber Sexual Harassment. Cyber sexual bullying/harassment includes when a student recipient receives an image and then shares that image to other students through text message, social media, or other electronic means.
Examples of Cyberbullying
- Using an an email or other technology account provided by the District to send inappropriate, sexually explicit, or offensive language to another student or teacher.
- Sending an inappropriate, sexually explicit, or offensive image to a student in a private chat within a virtual classroom meeting.
- Taking a screenshot of another individual and using that image to create a meme of them to circulate to members of the campus.
- Spreading rumors about an individual using virtual means of communicating.
- Creating fake social media accounts to bully or catfish another user.
Reporting Cyberbullying
The William S. Hart Union High School District expects students and staff to immediately report incidents of cyberbullying to the Principal, Assistant Principal, or other campus authority. Students may request that their name be kept in confidence to the extent allowed by law. Staff members are expected to immediately intervene when they become aware of an incident involving cyberbullying. Each report will be promptly investigated and resolved in accordance to Education Code and local laws.
Cyberbullying Resources
- Common Sense Media offers tips on cyberbullying: what it is and why it matters.
- ConnectSafely.org offers tips to share with your kids on how to prevent and stop cyberbullying.
- IKeepSafe.org provides information and tools on cyberbullying: what to look for, what to teach your kids, lessons from a mother's experience, and much more.
- The National Crime Prevention Council offers advice on how parents can play a central role in preventing cyberbullying and stopping it when it happens.
- StopCyberbullying.org is a program of Wired Safety, with information on how to recognize and prevent cyber bullying.
- Symantec provides information for parents on cyberbullying.
- Videos featuring kids talking about cyberbullying from the Attorney General and Wired Safety.