A Look at Greenwich Public Schools Policy on Cyberbullying

Let’s take a look at the topic of bullying though a different lens.  How does the and the view bullying?

As far as "bullying" itself is concerned, GPS does have a board policy (Policy E -002 - Whole Student Development; Procedure E-002.1 Student conduct and discipline) which states that “bullying” shall mean any overt acts by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate, or intimidate the other student while on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity.

The difficulty, however, is that a posting on Facebook may not meet these criteria as it may not technically be on school grounds, on a school bus or during a school activity and it may not be committed more than once. Then what is the school system’s role in policing or reacting to such behavior?

Other districts have attempted to be broader in their definition of bullying. In , for example, students are subject to discipline up to and including suspension or exclusion from school when they engage in conduct that is disorderly, insubordinate, disruptive, violent, or that endangers the safety, morals, health, or welfare of others. That activity can include defaming others by making false statements or representations about an individual that harms the reputation. It also lists using cell phones or other electronic device to record, store or transmit information or images that infringe upon the rights of others under the code.

The Scarsdale policy seems boarder, and therefore could be applied to actions such as creation or sending out The List.

Additionally, GPS has a policy to deal with cyberbullying (Policy E-040 – Effective Learning Environment; Procedure E-040.4 - Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Agreement) which states:

 "The Greenwich Public Schools provides students and staff access to the World Wide Web and other electronic networks. These procedures are written to promote positive and effective digital citizenship among students and staff. Digital citizenship represents more than technology literacy. Successful, technologically fluent digital citizens live safely, ethically and with civility in an increasingly digital world. They recognize that information posted on the Internet is public and permanent and can have a long-term impact on an individual’s life and career. Expectations for student and staff behavior online are no different than face-to-face interactions. Access is a privilege, not a right, and carries with it responsibilities for all involved. Misuse means any violation of this agreement or any other use that is not included in the agreement but has the effect of harming another or his or her property."

And goes on to define "unacceptable use to include (among other examples):

• Cyberbullying, hate mail, defamation, harassment of any kind, discriminatory jokes and remarks;

• The sending, sharing, viewing or possessing pictures, e-mails or other material of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device is prohibited in the school setting.

The State of Connecticut has begun the process of expanding the state’s anti-bullying laws. The State Senate will soon vote on a proposal introduced by the State's Education Committee to strengthen the law to include anti-cyber-bullying language in their anti-bullying policies and also require additional training of teachers and administrators as well as accelerating the period of time in which acts of bullying must be reported when observed. 

Connecticut rules follow on a series of similar statutes enacted across the United States last year propelled by cyber-bullying acts similar to The List or ones more targeted against individual students.

The issue of school authorities to act has always been a difficult one when the conduct is done out-of-school. There remains constitutional authority issues concerning the extent to which schools have the rights to extend their reach but the basic premise is that school officials can step in when out-of-school activity create a clear threat or disrupt other student’s safety or  ability to learn. The List seems to meet this criteria.

There have also have questions raised regarding whether The List crossed the line into criminal activity. Greenwich Patch spoke with Greenwich Police Sgt. Mark Zuccerella of the Special Victims Section repeatedly reiterated that parents need to know what’s going on with their childern.

Zuccerella said that children age 6 to 11 generally will communicate openly with their parents, but as students grow older, the story and the depth of the communication changes. So, parents of 'tweens and teens think they know what is happening in their children’s lives, but it is not uncommon for them to end up feeling “blindsided.”

Many parents are unaware of what is being communicated via email, instant messages and social networking. Zuccerella said, “Children are not quick to admit that they have been or are being bullied, and then it comes to a head and parents are surprised.”

Of all of the cyber social formats, the popular Facebook with its “wall” makes it a favorite among many. A prime example of technology not being used for what it should be - updating your status has turned into “a personal diary” and the police see girls especially using it and over virtual formats as a way to bully “indirectly.”

Zuccerella said he finds that “kids do not understand that what is written in cyber space is permanent.” Writing personal accounts on a Facebook wall, “it would be like leaving your garage door open for everyone to see all the tools you have.” Quite simply he says kids need to be reminded “keep your private lives private.” 

Even a simple e-mail or text sent to one person often becomes much more. Zuccerella said he often hears from youngsters, “I was joking and teasing and just sent it to one friend. I didn’t realize it would go to so many.”

When asked what advice parents should give their children, Zuccerella said, “Tell your children that if they see someone being bullied, to tell someone.” Beyond bullying, parents also can encourage their children to be aware of “inappropriate words or pictures on social networks or via text messages” and to tell an adult. 

Regarding, Zuccerella had high praise for the Headmaster Chris Winters. “To (his) credit, he should be commended. He takes the bull by the horns to solve an issue and addresses them even before they start," Zuccerella said.

Zuccerella said he is available to speak with parents and community groups about social media issues. He can be reached at the Greenwich Police Department at (203) 622-8000 or via e-mail at mark.zuccerella@greenwichct.org.

Helpful links:

Connecticut Commission on Children

http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/bullying.htm

CT General Statutes relating to Bullying as of December 2009

http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/PDFs/bullying/bullying_statutes_12-09.pdf

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership

2010 Best Practices Conference: Positive School Climate and Student Success

http://www.preventionworksct.org/schoolconference

State Department of Education report on bullying

In this February 2010 report, SDE summarizes efforts to combat bullying on the state and local levels. PDF, 62 pages

http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/PDFs/bullying/SDE_bullying_report_02-01-10.pdf