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Cyberbullying
According to Stopbullying.gov, “Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.”
2019 brought about the approval of Senate Bill 366, the first bill to address cyberbullying in higher education. With college students being the most frequent users of social media sites, the need for legislative discussion on this topic could not be more relevant for young adults today.
A study conducted by the University of Washington found that college-age women are just as likely to be victimized as younger adolescents, and other studies show that 22 percent of all higher education students experience cyberbullying at some point during their college career. Students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender face cyberbullying at rates that are double that of their straight peers. Cyberbullying has been linked to suicide, alcoholism, and depression in higher education. It is critical that California’s colleges are transparent with the resources that are available throughout this process.”
As you join the CSUSM community, it is important to remember your behavior and actions online may impact other members of the CSUSM family and may impact any future educational and/or professional opportunities. Students engaging in cyberbullying are subject to accountability through the Student Conduct Process in addition to Executive Order 1096, CSU wide policy addressing Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.