“Stop harassing me” Cyber Bullying- What is it, and what can we do to stop it

Cyber Bullying Using technological devices and programs to bully others - Phone calls - Text messages - Facebook - Myspace - Twitter

What kinds of messages are bullying? Menacing, threatening and/or offensive messages What do YOU think this means?

What can we do? -“Stop Harassing Me” postcard -Allows students and the school community to take a pro-active approach to cyber-bullying -Allows YOU, the student, to inform the bully in a safe and legal way that the messages are illegal and that you want them to stop

Criteria for Postcard use Can only be used by a student who: 1.Has received menacing, threatening and/or offensive messages, via text, voic or internet (with evidence); 2.Can identify the cyber-bully and the school they attend; 3.Wants the messages to stop. DON’T RESPOND!!!!! The Postcard can not be used to address verbal and/or physical assaults.

How does the Postcard work? If you believe that you have been cyber-bullied, you can approach your deputy/principal, and show them the messages you have received If your deputy/principal believes these messages meet the criteria, you will then be offered the opportunity to complete a Postcard.

How does it work continued You then write on the Postcard: 1.Who has been sending you the messages 2.What school that person attends 3.The time and date of the offensive message or the most offensive message received (if more than one) 4.Your name 5.Your signature Your involvement at this stage is now finished- Parent/guardian will be advised.

How does it work continued Your deputy/principal then meets with the cyber- bully to caution them on their behaviour The deputy/principal and the cyber-bully will then also write their names on, and sign, the Postcard, to acknowledge that they have been spoken to about this The signed Postcard is photocopied and a copy in both student’s files is kept by the school to use if a breach occurs

Consequences on breaching the Postcard What do YOU think they are?

You can be charged! Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 (Section ) Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence (1)A person is guilty of an offence if: (a)The person uses a carriage service; and (b)The person does so in a way (whether by the method of use or the content of a communication or both) that reasonable persons would regard as being, in all the circumstances, menacing, harassing or offensive Maximum Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years

The Postcard assists in charging the cyber-bully, by proving that the cyber-bully: - Has been asked to stop the offensive behaviour, and that they have chosen to ignore that request, -Knew they were committing an offence, -Knew what law they were breaking, -Knew that Police could become involved if they continued in the offending behaviour.

Consequences of a criminal record What do YOU think having a criminal record will mean to YOU?

Any questions? Constable Joanna WRIGHT Ayr Police: Queen Street, Ayr