• Cyberbullying Policy

    The Poughkeepsie City School District (the “District”) is committed to providing a safe and
    nurturing environment within the District that is free from cyberbullying.


    Cyberbullying is the use of cyber tools and informational technology such as social media, e-
    mail, blogs, instant messages, text messages, chat rooms, cell phones or other electronic devices
    to deliberately harass, humiliate, embarrass, threaten, target, or intimidate another student.
    Cyberbullying includes such acts as making threats, making derogatory comments on someone’s
    actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice,
    disability, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, sex, or making other derogatory
    comments about another student using cyber tools or informational technology. It might also
    include attempting to infect the victim's computer with a virus or flooding an e-mail inbox with
    nonsense messages. Cyberbullying is behavior that is disruptive to the academic environment or
    engagers the health, welfare or safety of students within the District, even though it may have
    originated from a personal computer off of school grounds and beyond the school day.
    Cyberbullying is prohibited behavior that may warrant an appropriate school consequence
    according to the District’s Code of Conduct. Some cyberbullying may be considered cyber-
    harassment or cyber stalking which may be serious crimes. In some cases, it may be necessary to
    inform the local police department. Consequences may also include loss of District
    internet/email access privileges and/or suspension.


    In conjunction with building administration and DASA Coordinator, all School Social Workers,
    IST Chairs, and School Psychologists will be designated to receive reports and to investigate
    incidents of cyberbullying. Any teacher or staff member who believes a student has been
    subjected to cyberbullying shall report the same to a building administrator or DASA
    Coordinator immediately.
    Cross-reference: District Code of Conduct, Policy 5300
    Computer Use in Instruction, 4526
    Internet Safety Policy, 4526.1
    Computer Use in Instruction Regulation, 4526-R
    Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying, 0115
    School-Sponsored Student Expression, 5220
    Student Bill of Rights
    Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

    Reference: The Dignity for all Students Act, NY Educ Law §§ 11-16
    Education Law Section 801-a

    Commissioner’s Regulations, Sections 100.2

    Adoption Date: Jan. 16, 2019