1. Can I really get in trouble for that post? Youth, Bullying, and Technology Jenn Capps, PhD, LPC Denise Mowder, JD, PhD

2. What You Will Leave Here Today… An understanding of cyberbullying & the interaction with traditional bullying An ability to identify both victims & offenders An understanding of the Colorado legislation and criminal statutes A feel for the best practices used around the country A knowledge of the school safety plans concerning bullying/cyberbullyingin the Denver metro area A handful recommendations

3. What is Cyberbullying Willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices (Hinduja & Patchin 2009) Compared to traditional bullying, cyberbullying is not restrained by space or time. Boys do more traditional physical bullying than girls Girls do more indirect verbal bullying than boys Not to be confused with peer conflict like arguing, ignoring, roughhousing and fighting are not necessarily instances of bullying. Nationally: – Traditional: 19.9 – Cyberbullying: 25.2% Colorado: – Cyberbullying: 20%

4. Differences between cyber and traditional bullying Those who have experienced bullying:

5. Who are the victims and offenders Girls are just as likely, if not more likely, than boys to be victims and offenders (Floros et al., 2013) Offenders who reported earning mostly A’s were just as likely to be offenders as those students who reported they earned C’s & D’s. Cyberbullying is related to low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, anger, frustration and other psychological problems (Brighi et al., 20912) Nationally: – Traditional bullying victims were 1.7 times more likely to have attempted suicide – Cyberbullying victims were 1.9 times more likely to have attempted suicide

7. Who are the victims and offenders Those who are traditionally bullied are also bullied online and visa versa. Canadian study showed 1/3 were victims of both traditional and cyber (Kowalski & Limber, 2013) Many bullies reported they were also victims at some point Cyberbullying is related to other issues like problems in school, anti-social behavior, substance use and delinquency (Kowalski & Limber, 2013).

8. Who are the victims and offenders

9. Colorado’s Legislative Rules and Regulations “Colorado was less explicit in communicating legal expectations and avoided concrete prohibiting statements.” (U.S. Department of Education, 2011)

10. Colorado’s Legislative Rules and Regulations Colorado Legislative Intent: – “The general assembly therefore finds that a policy to create an environment free of bullying shall be part of each school district's safe school plan.” CRS 22-32-109.1(a) – Defined Bullying “Bullying” means any written or verbal expression, or physical or electronic or gesture, or pattern thereof, that is intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause any physical, mental, or emotional harm to any student. – Required additions to school safety plan concerning bullying. Create a specific policy concerning bullying prevention and education. Survey of students Create team to advise schools Policy should include disciplinary consequences

11. Colorado’s Legislative Rules and Regulations CRS 24-33.5 – Gave duties of SRO’s CRS 22-32-144 (2)(a) – Use of restorative justice as a school’s first consideration to remediate offenses such as interpersonal conflicts, bullying, verbal and conflicts... harassment and internet harassment... CRS 22-93-104 School Bullying Prevention: – Grants for policy making within school districts – Grants for preventative education that is evidence based

12. Denver Metro Area School Policies Best Policies concerning Bullying/Cyberbullying: Aurora Public Schools Jefferson County Public Schools

13. Colorado’s Criminal Statues Colorado has no official anti bullying law. – Colorado State Lawmakers chose instead to rely on their legislative intent to the school districts. Harassment CRS 18-9-111 – Intent + harass + physical contact

14. Best practices for prevention and intervention Comprehensive and collaborative efforts among all youth advocates. Must include all stake holders: teachers, educational leaders, community leaders, legislators, parents and students.

15. What can School Districts Do Create a clear and comprehensive policy regarding bullying and its intersection with cyberbullying. Create cyberbullying prevention programs and program assessment.

16. What can school Administrators do Implement detailed anti bullying policies and disciplinary actions Integrate lessons on cyberbullying into the school curriculum Encourage school counselors and teachers to collaborate classroom sessions on appropriate internet use Establish a school wide cyberbullying task force to develop and implement anti cyberbullying programs Build a relationship with the local police department to speak to parents and student on appropriate internet use. Create a school climate where students feel safe to report

17. What School Counselors can do Facilitating the development of effective school policies Educating parents – About their legal responsibility for what their child is doing while online – giving parents signs to look for when recognizing cyberbullying behaviors – encourage parents to educate their child on how it feels to be cyberbullied as what to do if they are bullied Educating students Developing peer helper programs Providing responsive services such as reporting and counseling opportunities

18. Recommendations Recognition of adolescent development Youth require significantly different interventions than adults Tiered system of response to cyberbullying including: – Assessment – Accountability – Education

19. Questions?