Nearly three quarters of Osceola students polled say that they have been a victim of cyber bullying. Students polled say many of them also know people who have been victoms.

Out of 54 students that were polled, 31 of those students say that they were cyber bullied personally and 38 of those students say they know a friend or family member that was cyber bullied.

Cyber bullying is any mean, hateful commenting or messaging that takes place using any electronic technology such as computers, cell phones and tablets and especially social media cites such as Facebook and Twitter, according to stopbullying.gov. As technology changes rapidly and becomes more readily available for students, cyber bullying has been a common type of harassment among teens varying from grades 6-12.

“So far this school year, I have had no reported cyber bullying incidents. However, it does occur,” said Deputy Shorter. Shorter also explained when cyber bullying is reported, “Administration, firsts speaks to both students separately.  After determining why the bullying is occurring, we develop an action plan for it to stop.”  The consequences for cyber bullying “Depends on the content/degree of the bullying or harassment, to determine which direction I may proceed with consequences,” Shorter further explains. “I always try to resolve every incident via school level first, with parent involvement. If after being put on notice, counseled, and warned, the conduct continues. I then may pursue criminal charges.” said Shorter.