Cyber Bullying Policy

Auckland Challenge Incorporated Cyber Bullying Policy (2020)

Note: this document was previously filed as “Cyber Security Policy” but its content addresses cyber-bullying; it has been re-titled here to match its actual content.

Policy Statement

A safe and civil environment for Auckland Challenge Incorporated is necessary for all volunteers, staff, parents and other professionals to ensure the best possible service to our young people. The Management Committee prohibits acts of cyber-bullying through the use of any Auckland Challenge owned, operated, or supervised technologies, and/or pertaining to anyone registered with Auckland Challenge. All those registered with, or associated with the registration of, a child or young person, or actively linked through volunteering, staff, or professional association, are required to acknowledge our position and the law on cyberbullying when working in partnership with these children and young people.

“Owned, operated, or supervised technologies” means any computer, networking system, electronic equipment, or other equipment or device that may be used to communicate, which is owned, leased, operated, or under the control or supervision of Auckland Challenge. The Service Co-ordinator or designee will report substantiated allegations of cyber-bullying to the Police.

Definitions

“Cyber-Bullying” is the use of electronic information and communication devices — including but not limited to email, instant messaging, text messaging, cellular telephone communications, internet blogs, internet chat rooms, internet postings, and defamatory websites — that deliberately threatens, harasses, or intimidates an individual or group; places an individual in reasonable fear of harm to themselves or damage to their property; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the group.

Reporting Procedure and Investigation

Any child or young person who believes they are being subjected to cyber-bullying, and any person with reason to believe another child, young person, or adult is being or has been subjected to cyber-bullying, shall immediately report it to the Service Coordinator or designee. The Service Coordinator or designee shall investigate all such reports. Where the investigation finds cyber-bullying was not committed, the affected parties will be informed of the outcome. Where cyber-bullying is found to have been committed by a child/young person or associated adult, that person’s registration will be revoked and Police contacted as necessary. This authority is exercised only when reasonably necessary for the physical or emotional safety, security and wellbeing of the victim or others registered with Auckland Challenge, and only where the conduct materially and substantially interferes with Auckland Challenge’s operation.

Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited

Auckland Challenge prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of cyber-bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the Service Coordinator or designee.

Policy Publication

This policy is disseminated annually to all children/young people, volunteers, parents, staff and other professionals registered or associated with Auckland Challenge. Acknowledgement of this policy, and acceptance that a breach may result in loss of registration and/or Police involvement, is a condition of registration with Auckland Challenge, protecting all children, young people, volunteers, parents, staff and associated professionals.