Sep 18, 2008 12:27 am US/Pacific
Vallejo Schools Approve Cyber Bullying Ban
VALLEJO (CBS 5 / BCN) ―
The Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Education approved a policy Wednesday that bans students from using their cell phones for harmful purposes, including recording fights on school grounds for posting on YouTube.
The ban applies to cyber bullying, cyber threats, sending abusive, threatening or harassing text messages and using electronic devices to cheat on exams. The policy would also give school officials the tools to discipline students when they are caught using cell phones improperly.
District spokesman Jason Hodge said violators could face consequences including loss of school privileges such as the ability to participate in sports, proms, dances and other extra-curricular activities, and suspension from school for up to five days.
The district learned earlier this year that students were using cell phones and cameras to record and post fights on the Internet, Hodge said. There also were reports that students were using their phones to text threatening messages and to harass other students, Hodge said.
Vallejo schools are among the first in the Bay Area to enact a ban on abusive cell phone use on campus. The resolution to approve the new policy was approved unanimously by the five-member board and takes effect immediately.
"Our main concern is recording fights. It encourages kids to keep the fights going and to instigate them," Hodge said.
The policy allows cell phones on campus, as long as the phones are turned off inside classrooms.
Students would not be allowed to record the activities of other students or district personnel without their permission. Recording would be banned in restrooms, locker rooms and other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Students would be allowed to use cell phones and other electronic devices that are determined by a physician or surgeon to be essential to their health.
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