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Community Corner

Cyberbullying: High School Drama No Longer Stays in School

Learn prevention tools and strategies as parents.

Bullying has ascended to new technological heights. Facebook is being used by some as a weapon. Dirty laundry is aired. Barbs and digs are free-flowing. “High school drama” no longer stays with the students or even within the school. It is revealed to the world. Unfortunately, even adults sometimes become involved. I recently was contacted by concerned grandparents whose granddaughter was being electronically bullied by her stepmother. Family secrets were shared and so much embarrassment resulted that the child was forced to change schools. There have been instances of suicide and other violence associated with cyberbullying.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HRSA (Health Resource and Services Administration) make available a presentation called “Cyberbullying: Tools and Tips for Prevention and Intervention”. It is in part presented by Cobb County resident Dr. Patti Agatston who co-authored the book “Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age”. Parents, teachers and administrators are encouraged to view this presentation to gain real-world stories, tips and prevention techniques. Help is also available at stopbullying.gov.

Facebook has a tool called “report” attached to every post and picture. To use this, click the “x” next to the posting and choose the option “report post or spam”. For offensive pictures, the option to “report this photo” is located underneath the photo in the bottom left hand corner. Facebook also suggests “unfriending” or “blocking” bullies. Click here to see Facebook's help section on bullying.

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Did you know that your child can be removed from school for participating in cyberbullying? In 2010, Senate Bill 250 was passed in Georgia to require schools to create anti-bullying policies. In Section L of the Cobb County Student Code of Conduct (High School version) it states that after three offenses the student will be expelled for at least an entire year. It goes on to define bullying behavior as “any intentional written, verbal or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass or intimidate that....is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment”. It also says that “No person who reports bullying behaviors will be retaliated against by any school employee” and that any student knowingly filing a false report will be disciplined.

Learn prevention strategies. Talk to your children about bullying. Watch and report. Listen to your children. Monitor their internet usage, including Facebook. Report to teachers and schools if there is a problem. Keep them safe.

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