Administration can now come to the rescue for cyberbully victims

Cyberbullying, a fairly novel and unfortunate phenomenon, has been on the rise in recent years. Its occurance presented a challenge to schools everywhere, as schools were not allowed to take action in any bullying that happened off-campus.

However, a state law has been passed that will give administrators a weapon they can use to combat cyberbullying. AB 746, signed into law in July 2011, allows cyberbullies to be suspended or even expelled by administrators. Now, if a student is being harassed online, a school official is allowed to intervene.

“When the administration hears about a recent cyberbullying issue, we investigate the situation and request a print out of the ‘cyberbullying incident’,” Associate Principal Micah Farrell said. “Then, when we have a basic understanding of the situation, we can take the appropriate next steps.”

Before this law was implemented, cyberbullying victims were forced to handle situations on their own. A survey from the National Crime Prevention Council reveals that only 11 percent of victims ever tell their parents about the bullying that they suffer from. With this new law, students have the administration on their side. School officials are able to take professional and anonymous action that isn’t heavy with personal investment, unlike that of many parents.

“I think that students feeling safe is one of the most important responsibilities of our jobs as educators,” Farrell said. “Therefore, I agree with the administration allowing us to be involved with cyber bullying.”

Over the years, California has passed several laws regarding cyber bullying issues. Safe School Counselor Christine Lopez asserted that this time, the only part of the procedure that was changed was the disciplinary actions that could or could not be taken.

The school’s lawful intervention is completely necessary. Its new legal power is significant for students, as they alone cannot solve these issues; now, cyberbullying will be much easier to resolve with the help of school faculty.

Those affected by Internet abuse are now protected by the district. With the new implentation of the law, students can have both school officials and parents on their side. Were it not for this recent change, there would be no safe outlet to report the vicious offenses.