PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

07 May, 2008
Cyber Bullying Policy

Cyber Bullying Policy

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber Bullying is bullying that is carried out through an internet service, such as email, chat room, discussion group or instant messaging. It can also include bullying through mobile phone technologies such as short messaging service (SMS) and in-phone cameras. 

Examples of cyber bullying include teasing, spreading rumours online, sending unwanted messages, making threats or defamation.

Students’ Rights

Students have the right to expect that they will spend the school day free from the fear of bullying, harassment and intimidation. (DET Anti-bullying plan for schools 2005)

All forms of bullying, whether it be physical, verbal or cyber are not tolerated at any level at Jamison High School.

Students’ Responsibilities

It is expected that students at Jamison High School will -:

·        Abide by the school’s policies in relation to the use of the internet and the possession and use of mobile phones.

·        Inform the school if the student is being cyber bullied, or if the student is aware that another student is being cyber bullied.

·        Inform their parents if the cyber bullying is occurring after school hours.

·        Respect the rights of other students to feel safe and be free from the fear of being bullied.

Strategies to prevent and respond to cyber bullying

Apart from the overall strategies aimed at preventing bullying at Jamison High School the school will -:

·          Develop and apply a code of conduct in relation to the use of technology. Cyber bullying occurs in on-line environments where there are no responsible adults present therefore it is important that young people are taught to independently prevent cyber bullying and to address the underlying issues. Curriculum programs incorporating social skills and values education as well as direct teaching of “netiquette” will be used to reduce cyber bullying.

·          Develop and maintain websites that meet current government guidelines and standards.

·          Educate students as to the potential criminal and civil action that may be taken in relation to cyber bullying and cyber stalking.

·          Provide parents with information about the concerns, about how to prevent, detect and intervene if their child is being cyber bullied, about how to prevent their child from participating in cyber bullying, about the legal consequences of cyber bullying, and about strategies to empower and activate bystanders.

·          Provide professional development for staff in general awareness raising and in ways to detect, review and intervene into cyber bullying.

Useful resources and websites

http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/talkout/spotlight/cyberBullyingSchools.shtml

http://www.netalert.net.au/

Legal Issues Bulletin No.42  DET Legal Directorate