School Takes a Stand Against Bullying

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

In light of our recent blog posts on cyber bullying, the following article depicts how some schools are really taking a stand against bullying…both on school grounds and via technology.

BURLEY - Students and staff at Cassia County schools who engage in any type
of bullying behavior could find themselves expelled from school or their
employment terminated.

The Cassia County School District unanimously approved an amended policy on
student harassment that includes new language against bullying someone over
sexual orientation. It also includes a new policy titled "Prohibition Against
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying" that outlines the district's response to
issues such as spreading rumors, cyber bullying and "sexting," which have become
issues since the original policy was adopted in 2000.

"These reflect current things we experience in the community and other
parts of the state," said district Superintendent Gaylen Smyer.

The new policies put in place guidelines that define cyber bullying as the
use of any electronic communications device to convey a message in any format -
including audio, video, text, graphics, or photographs - that intimidates,
harasses or intends to harm another individual.

"Parental awareness will play a big role in this," Smyer said.
According to the policy, school administrators will report any conduct they
believe is in violation of the law to local law enforcement and no retaliation
will be taken by the district, employees or students for someone who reports
harassment or bullying.

The district will maintain a written record that is submitted to the
district with witness statements and investigative reports. Those records will
be kept in district administrative offices and will not be purged by district
personnel without board approval.

The prohibition extends not only to actions on school grounds but those
originating at a remote location and carried out via technology. The policy also
includes a section on district employees and staff members engaging in bullying
behavior. (This article was written last week by Laurie Welch.)

We commend this school for taking a stand to protect those who can’t always protect themselves. Kids and teens SHOULD be protected from bullies. It is my hope that parents are not only trying to protect their kids from bullying, but also trying to teach them to not BE bullies. This ultimately begins in the home. It makes me think about the type of parent I am. How am I with my friends? What kind of example am I setting? Am I being kind to the people in my life? Do I have bullying behavior?

As parents, we have to keep in mind that we are the prime example setters. What can we do in our lives every day to secure a positive foundation for our kids? McGruff Safeguard is here to help make you aware of what’s going on out there. Let us know if you have any questions!

Labels: bullying, Cassia County, internet laws, Laurie Welch