Cyberbullying definition becoming clearer in Dist. 203

Cyberbullying isn't included in the policies that govern education in Naperville Unit District 203, but that's likely to change this month.

A policy update required by state law adds a description of what counts as cyberbullying and how it should be handled when reported to educators, said Kaine Osburn, deputy superintendent.

"There were aspects of cyberbullying that we were already addressing even though it wasn't explicit in the old policy," Osburn said. "But the new policy makes it much more specific and clear in its definition."

The proposed update defines cyberbullying as causing harm to a student's mental or physical health, academic performance, ability to participate in school activities or sense of safety through the use of technology or any electronic communication including email, instant messages, Web pages or blogs.

The policy also makes clear that educators can take action against cyberbullying that is causing a disruption to a student in school even when the bullying goes on outside school, Osburn said. Whether personnel have authority to investigate and dole out punishment for acts of cyberbullying that don't occur during school time was unclear until a state law was updated last year, he said.

The school board reviewed the policy update Monday and is likely to approve it March 16 in advance of an April 15 deadline.

"I think it's a great addition to the policy - very timely and relevant," board member Kristin Fitzgerald said.

The new policy also will require the district to track the number of reported instances of bullying and cyberbullying and post that information on its website. The update won't cause a major shift in the way students are disciplined if they commit bullying, but Osburn said it does recommend a focus on consequences other than time out of school.

"It's not just about exclusionary discipline, it's about the kind of discipline that looks to repair the harm that was done," Osburn said.

He said potential consequences could include counseling, following up with perpetrators to make sure they understand "the nature of what they've done" and focusing on behavioral health to prevent future bullying.

District 203 attempts to prevent cyberbullying through its social/emotional growth curriculum and by teaching students that any negative online comments they make become part of their "digital footprint" and don't easily go away.

"These kinds of things also have a legacy that's left behind," Osburn said. "It follows you beyond any discipline."