Cyberbullying: Another management issue for schools

The article I am basing my blog on was tweeted by a Munich Re (US) Focus On: Cyberbullying/Sexting in Schools  http://bit.ly/ryCRUn


     As an administrator we will have many aspects of management to devote ourselves to as we work to keep the school functioning in a manner that will allow for a productive learning environment. Arguably one of the most important areas will be providing/promoting a positive school culture where  students feels safe.  As a parent myself, knowing that my kids are not being tormented physically or mentally while at school is extremely important to us. They have a love of learning and of school and it would be tragic if a bully/bullies took that away from them.
     This article discussed what constitutes cyberbullying/sexting and the myriad of issues an administrator faces in dealing with them. Schools have the authority to regulate student speech if it poses a substantial disruption at school or interferes with the rights of other students to be secure(Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District  1969) or is considered obscene, sexually vulgar, or indecent (Bethel School District v. Fraser 1986). However, often these cyberbullying incidents happen outside the school environment. If bullying happens off campus but poses a threat to student safety or disrupts the learning environment the schools may intervene. With the 1:1 initiative at our school, I wonder if we would have authority to act on issues posted outside of school if they are using school equipment as they bully on Facebook, etc.? Obscene, vulgar or indecent exposure issues are generally outside the administrator's authority.
     Liability is another consideration. Did the administrator do enough? Did they do too much? Were 1st amendment rights infringed upon? According to the article - Civil liberties groups are very active monitoring incidents where free speech issues are present and are very quick to challenge any government agency that may be prohibiting speech.
     So how will we handle these issues as an administrator? Obviously, we need to always keep these rules and regulations in mind so we don't get ourselves or the district in trouble. Along with that, documentation and communication are paramount. Lastly, I am going to try and think about every case as if my child was the one being bullied or harassed.