Chicago schools crack down on cyberbullies

Chicago schools are cracking down on cyberbullies, according to an article in today's Chicago Sun-Times:

But now new rules mean "cyberbullies" caught using cell phones or social networking websites such as MySpace or Bebo to pick on classmates face mandatory suspension, possible expulsion and a police investigation.

Officials say the tough stance -- which regulates student behavior off campus and outside school hours as well as during the school day -- is necessary to tackle a growing trend of cyberbullying. Studies suggest as many as 4 in 10 kids are targeted by bullies online.

Under the new Student Code of Conduct, passed by the Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday, cyber-bullying will be considered as serious an offense as burglary, aggravated assault, gang activity, drug use or more traditional forms of bullying. Students who use computers or phones to "stalk, harass, bully or otherwise intimidate others," will be suspended for five to 10 days and could be referred for expulsion. The details will automatically be referred to Chicago Police, who could hit students with criminal charges.

Students caught using CPS computers to harass others could also lose their computer privileges.