Cyber Bullying

The School District of Mauston's computer network and the internet, whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or after school hours, may not be used for the purpose of harassment.  All forms of harassment over the internet, commonly referred to as cyber bullying, are unacceptable and are viewed as a violation of this policy and the District's acceptable computer use policy/procedures.  

Malicious use of the Districts's computer system to develop programs or to institute practices that harass other users, gain unauthorized access to any entity of the system and/or damage the components of any entity on the network is prohibited.  users are responsible for the appropriateness of the material transmitted over the system.  Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other antisocial behaviors are expressly prohibited.

Cyber bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology:  harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or mages, and web site postings, including blogs.  It is also recognized that the author (poster or sender) of the inappropriate material is often disguised (logged on) as someone else.

School and community members who believe they have been the victims of such misuses of technology as described in this policy should not erase the offending material from the system.  A copy of the material should be printed and brought to the attention of the Building Principal, District Administrator or designee.  The administration  shall fully investigate all reports of cyber bullying.  This may also include contacting law enforcement.

In situations in which the cyber bullying originated from a non-school computer , but was brought to the attention of school officials, any disciplinary action shall be based upon whether the conduct is determined to be severely disruptive to the educational process so that it markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day to day operations of the school.  In addition, such conduct must also be in violation of the publicized school policy.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, harassment or making a threat off school grounds that is intended to endanger the health, safety or property of a District employee or school board member, or of others at school.

Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, the loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension or expulsion for verified perpetrators of cyber bullying.  In addition, when any kind of threat is communicated or when a hate crime is committed, this shall be reported to law enforcement.