Schools should educate the school community about the criminal offence of cyber bullying. Students should be informed that if they use technology in an inappropriate fashion then they could be committing a crime. Messages, phone calls, and chat rooms can be traced, even if a false name is used.
The numerous state and commonwealth laws which cover cyber crime include:
Kids Help Line (http://www.kidshelp.com.au) can assist students: 1800 551 800. Both teachers, students and parents can use the NetAlert Helpline: 1800 880 176. There are interpreters available.
If you believe that a criminal offence has been committed Contact your local police station.
How to remove offensive material from web 2.0 internet spaces
Web 2.0 has wonderful learning opportunities for students but the ability to post anywhere/anytime can present issues and the risk of misuse. It may become necessary for the removal of content on a web 2.0 space e.g. video, image, comment etc
The quickest way to have content removed instantly is by the person who posted it. They have the passwords and information required. Talking to the students involved may reveal real issues and the quickest solution.
Quick removal of content is the aim. It is often good to get a copy of the offensive material in case legal implications arise. Most websites have a facility to ‘flag’ content. Each site is different. It is usually better to contact the site administrators directly.
Here are some well used sites who do respond to “flagged” issues:YouTube (http://www.youtube.com)
Q How do I get a video removed from Youtube? The process is the same for all users, principals, teachers and students. It does vary on the type of violation you are reporting.
This response was received from Google staff:
Non Privacy Issues e.g. fights, harassment, hate etc
“For non-privacy issues, the best way to report material that violates our Terms of Use is to use the "flag" feature beneath the video. It will bring it to our attention immediately. Please note that minors fighting is expressly prohibited by our Terms of Use (http://youtube.com/t/terms).”
The reference YouTube Community Guidelines (http://www.youtube.com/t/community_guidelines) outlines in simple language under the “Don’t cross the line” section, what actually breaches their user conditions. (an excellent reference for students).
For Privacy Issues
This would apply to a video which may not be offensive (See above) but was posted without informed or freely given consent. The video must still be flagged but it can only be flagged by the actual student or their parent.
This referenced Help Centre article is with regard to reporting privacy issues on behalf of minors.
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com)
Habbo Hotel (http://www.habbo.com.au)
Club Penguin (http://www.clubpenguin.com)
The support of students and teachers who have had experiences such as Cyber bullying, privacy breaches etc is essential.
For information about psychological issues such as internet addiction disorderReport cases of racial hatred or sex discrimination
Human Rights Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC)
(http://www.humanrights.gov.au)
Tel: 1300 656 419
For help and advice about online privacy issues
Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner Australia
(http://www.privacy.gov.au)
Phone 1300 363 992
Complain about inappropriate content in computer games, video and DVD programsOffice of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC)
(http://www.oflc.gov.au)
Tel: (02) 9289 7100
This page has been produced by the Department of Education
Questions concerning its content may be directed by email to ServiceCentre@education.tas.gov.au or telephone 1800 816 057.
This page was last modified on 8th October 2008. The URL for this page is: http://www.education.tas.gov.au/school/health/websafety/cybersafe-classrooms/cyber-bullying.
You are directed to the disclaimer and copyright notice and a Personal Information Protection statement governing the information provided.
