Fiesta Youth Cyberbullying Policy

Cyberbullying is any type of electronic communication (via cellphone, computer, tablet or other device) from one or more Fiesta Youth participants towards another Fiesta Youth participant that places that youth(s) in reasonable fear of harm to self or property or that creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive environment for that youth(s) at Fiesta Youth meetings. All youth, staff, volunteers and Board of Directors must sign off on the cyberbullying policy.

Cyberbullying will not be tolerated by the Board of Directors and staff of the organization. The Board will make every effort to inform volunteers of the policy and will clearly communicate this expectation to youth participants.

Once an incident of cyberbullying is brought to the attention of a volunteer, staff member or Board member, the following procedure will be followed:

1.   Adults involved will request evidence of the incident from the youth making the complaint. This can be screenshots of text messages, posts on social media, or emails and copies of photos or videos.

2.   Adults involved will document the youth’s complaint in writing.

3.   Adults involved will interview the “bullying” youth.

4.   Once it is determined that the youth’s complaint is valid and that an act of cyberbullying did occur. The “bullying” youth will be notified that the behavior is not tolerated. The offending youth may be suspended for a minimum of 2 weeks up to 6 weeks from meeting attendance based on the severity and nature of the offense.

5.   Any youth who engages in the following will be permanently suspended from attending Fiesta Youth meetings. A) Releases or threatens to release intimate photos or videos of another youth. B) encourages a youth to harm themselves. C) Incites violence against the youth via group bullying.