Local Schools Focused on Stopping Cyberbullying

The Babylon School District is way ahead of a Federal agency mandate when it comes to preventing and stopping cyberbullying as it already has staff and student programs in place, school district officials told Patch.

In a recent letter sent to school districts, the Federal Communications Commission stated that districts receiving federal funds for Internet services will have to implement educational programming about cyberbulling and instruct students on proper use of social networking sites such as Facebook.

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, cyberbulling is an issue for nearly 50 percent of U.S. teenagers. Several recent high-profile incidents are igniting government agencies and school districts to shore up anti-bullying education efforts.

While Babylon does not receive federal E-Rate program funds for its campus Internet services and isn't required to meet the stipulated mandates, the district has already implemented several such programs across campus locations.

At Babylon Elementary School there is a special committee called "Get*A*Voice," involving teachers from each grade level, special areas, the school psychologist and school principal. The group meets monthly to devise ways to incorporate positive works of reinforcement and anti-teasing through the school day.

Each classroom teacher has a binder of resources, lessons and books that can be used for "Friendly Friday" lessons. Friendly Fridays are announced each Friday morning to remind teachers and students that at some point throughout the day there will be a time to specifically talk about words of kindness and what to do during conflict situations.

The Friendly Friday lessons can be as simple as a read-a-loud, or more indepth, such as interactive writing, shared writing or a short listening center activity.

When it comes to incidents, the school principal works directly with the students involved using a technique called, "DEAR MAN." It is a role-play, script-like activity in which the "victim" talks directly to the bully to express feelings and boosts self-empowerment. Administrators say the program has been extremely successful.

Over at Babylon Memorial Grade School teachers and the guidance counselor meet and speak with children on an as-needed basis regarding proper use of technology and expected behavior.

Last year the staff compiled a comprehensive packet of material related to Internet safety and use of social network sites, cell phone monitoring and related controls, and e-mail tips that was distributed to all parents.

This year, the guidance counselor is preparing a PowerPoint presentation that will highlight laws about cyberbulling and the actions kids should take to safeguard their identities, and the need to seek out a responsible adult in the event of a problem. 

In addition the school's Character Education program consistently stresses to students the need to be responsible with online activity, say administrators.

On the junior and senior high school level, a Cope Officer, from Suffolk County Police Department's First Precinct, visits the school to talk with students about the different types of bullying. The School Resource Officers also meets with students that need assistance.

Inside and away from the classroom,  teachers work with students as part of Academic Enrichment programs to discuss the topic of bullying, and building support staff members are continually trained during workshops.