[Year 12 IT Apps] Policy regarding Cyber-bullying

[Kevork Krozian]

Hi Folks,

   A potentially curly one for you although I am in no doubt about my attitude to the issue.

 We are just finalising our Acceptable Use Policy and want to use correct and current language for the cyber bullying component.
The issue is that cyber bullying can be twofold -- one which occurs on the school system and the other which occurs on external systems such as MySpace, Facebook , YouTubem Hotmail , chatlines etc.

There shouldn't be any doubt about school attitudes to internal bullying, but what are the attitudes about bullying on external systems ? Do schools have policies to deal with it exactly the same way as if it happened on the school system once the evidence is in ? or do schools consider it an "external" matter that should be dealt with by parents and possibly police ?

If there is any current wording that has worked for any schools out there maybe even based on legal advice it would be great if I can have a copy to adapt for our local policy.
Whilst I am sure most readers would be interested in the positions schools hold and have taken, if anyone wishes to keep it off list a direct reply is fine too.




With thanks



Kevork Krozian
IT Manager , Forest Hill College
k.krozian at fhc.vic.edu.au
http://www.fhc.vic.edu.au
Mobile: 0419 356 034