Skip to main content

Fell Charter School

Menu

BULLYING AND CYBERBULLYING

Adopted: 8/17/2026

Legal References: Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, §1303.1-A; Act 20 of 2026; 22 Pa. Code §12.3(c); Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99

1. PURPOSE

The Board of Directors of Fell Charter School recognizes that every student has the right to a safe, positive, and supportive educational environment. Bullying and cyberbullying interfere with students’ ability to learn, may create fear and intimidation, and may substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.

The Board prohibits bullying and cyberbullying by students and is committed to preventing, identifying, investigating, and addressing such conduct promptly and appropriately.

This policy establishes definitions, reporting procedures, investigation requirements, parent/guardian notification procedures, and disciplinary consequences relating to bullying and cyberbullying.

2. DEFINITIONS

A. Artificial Intelligence-Generated or Modified Media

“Artificial intelligence-generated or modified media” means text, code, images, audio, or video data that has been created or modified from its original source data through the use of artificial intelligence technology, programs, or platforms.

B. Bullying

“Bullying” means an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act, or a series of acts:

  1. Directed at another student or students;
  2. Which occurs in a school setting;
  3. That is severe, persistent, or pervasive; and
  4. That has the effect of doing any of the following:
    a. Substantially interfering with a student’s education;
    b. Creating a threatening environment; or
    c. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying may include, but is not limited to, physical, verbal, relational, social, written, or electronic conduct that satisfies the elements above.

C. Cyberbullying

“Cyberbullying” means bullying through the use of electronic technology or communication, including data, computer software, online platforms, devices, systems, networks, Internet services, email, social media, or other digital means, including artificial intelligence-generated or modified media, when the conduct meets the criteria in paragraphs 1, 3, and 4 of the definition of “Bullying” above.

Because the statutory definition of cyberbullying does not require that the conduct occur in a school setting, conduct occurring outside of school grounds, outside of school hours, or through privately owned devices or accounts may constitute cyberbullying when the conduct satisfies the applicable elements of this policy.

D. School Setting

“School setting” means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school.

3. AUTHORITY

The Board prohibits all forms of bullying and cyberbullying by students.

Bullying and cyberbullying are prohibited regardless of whether the conduct occurs:

  • During the school day;
  • On school property;
  • On a school vehicle;
  • At a school-sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned activity;
  • Through school-owned or school-provided technology; or
  • Outside of the school setting when the conduct constitutes cyberbullying as defined by this policy.

This policy applies to student conduct that meets the definitions established herein regardless of the method or technology used.

Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to prohibit constitutionally protected speech or conduct.

4. REPORTING

Students who believe they have been the subject of bullying or cyberbullying, or who have witnessed or otherwise become aware of such conduct, are encouraged to report the conduct promptly.

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to report suspected bullying or cyberbullying involving their child or another student.

All school employees who receive a report of alleged bullying or cyberbullying shall promptly refer the report to the designated school official.

The designated school official responsible for receiving reports of alleged bullying and cyberbullying is:

Principal or Principal’s Designee

Reports may be made verbally or in writing. Reports may be made directly to the Principal or designee or through any school employee, who shall promptly forward the report to the designated school official.

Reports may be made confidentially to the extent permitted by law and school procedures. The school cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality because information may need to be shared as necessary to conduct an investigation, protect students, comply with legal requirements, or respond appropriately to the allegation.

Retaliation against any person who reports alleged bullying or cyberbullying, participates in an investigation, or otherwise provides information regarding an alleged incident is prohibited.

5. INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

Fell Charter School shall promptly investigate all incidents of alleged bullying and cyberbullying.

Upon receiving a report or otherwise becoming aware of an allegation, the Principal or designee shall:

  1. Document the report, including the date, time, location or online platform involved, persons involved, and the nature of the allegation to the extent known.
  2. Determine whether immediate action is necessary to protect the safety and well-being of any student.
  3. Promptly conduct an investigation appropriate to the circumstances.
  4. Interview, as appropriate, the student making the report, the student alleged to have been subjected to bullying or cyberbullying, the student alleged to have engaged in the conduct, and any witnesses.
  5. Review relevant information and evidence, which may include written statements, photographs, videos, electronic communications, social media content, text messages, emails, screenshots, school records, or other information reasonably related to the allegation.
  6. Consider whether the alleged conduct constitutes bullying or cyberbullying under the definitions contained in this policy.
  7. Determine whether the alleged conduct violates other Board policies, the Student Code of Conduct, school rules, or applicable law, regardless of whether the conduct meets the definition of bullying or cyberbullying.
  8. Document the findings and conclusion of the investigation.

The school may take interim measures during an investigation when appropriate to protect students, preserve the educational environment, prevent retaliation, or prevent further alleged misconduct.

The school shall make reasonable efforts to conduct investigations in a manner that is fair, timely, impartial, and consistent with applicable law and the circumstances of the allegation.

When an investigation involves conduct that may constitute a criminal offense, the school may coordinate with appropriate law enforcement or other agencies as required or permitted by law.

6. DETERMINATION AND PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION

After completing the investigation, the Principal or designee shall determine whether an incident of bullying or cyberbullying occurred under this policy.

When Fell Charter School determines that bullying or cyberbullying has occurred, the school shall immediately notify, as soon as practicable, the parents or legal guardians of any student involved in the incident of that determination, consistent with applicable federal and state law.

Notification shall be handled in a manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality rights of students and families.

Consistent with FERPA and other applicable student privacy requirements, notification to a parent or guardian may include information concerning:

  • The determination that bullying or cyberbullying occurred;
  • The fact that the school investigated the matter;
  • General information regarding steps taken by the school to address the conduct;
  • Appropriate safety, support, or intervention measures relating to the parent’s or guardian’s child; and
  • Other information that the school is legally permitted to disclose.

The school shall not disclose another student’s personally identifiable information, confidential educational records, or disciplinary consequences except as permitted or required by law.

Parent/guardian notification shall be documented by the school.

7. DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES AND INTERVENTIONS

Students who engage in bullying or cyberbullying shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and applicable Board policies.

Consequences shall be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the nature, severity, persistence, and circumstances of the conduct; the age and developmental level of the students involved; prior conduct; the impact on the student or school environment; and any other relevant factors.

Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

  • Parent/guardian conferences;
  • Counseling or other supportive services;
  • Restorative or educational interventions;
  • Loss of school privileges;
  • Changes to schedules, seating, activities, or other school arrangements;
  • Detention;
  • Suspension;
  • Expulsion, where permitted by law; and/or
  • Other appropriate interventions or disciplinary consequences.

The school may also take action when conduct does not meet the statutory definition of bullying or cyberbullying but nevertheless violates another school rule, Board policy, or applicable law.

8. PROTECTION AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Fell Charter School shall take reasonable steps to protect students who report bullying or cyberbullying and students who are the subject of such conduct from retaliation, intimidation, or further misconduct.

When appropriate, the school may provide or facilitate access to counseling, social-emotional supports, academic supports, safety planning, restorative practices, or other interventions.

The school may also implement appropriate interventions for students who engage in bullying or cyberbullying, including educational, behavioral, counseling, restorative, or other supportive measures in addition to disciplinary consequences.

9. FALSE REPORTS AND RETALIATION

Knowingly making a false report of bullying or cyberbullying, or knowingly providing false information during an investigation, is prohibited and may result in disciplinary consequences.

A report shall not be considered knowingly false merely because an investigation does not substantiate the allegation.

Retaliation against any person who reports alleged bullying or cyberbullying, participates in an investigation, or provides information related to an investigation is prohibited and may result in disciplinary consequences.

10. EDUCATION AND PREVENTION

Fell Charter School may provide prevention, intervention, and educational programs designed to reduce bullying and cyberbullying and promote safe, respectful, and responsible behavior.

The school shall provide students with instruction and information regarding bullying and cyberbullying prevention, appropriate online behavior, responsible use of electronic technology, and procedures for reporting incidents.

Fell Charter School’s student Internet safety program may address, among other topics:

  • Appropriate and inappropriate online behavior;
  • Social networking and other electronic media;
  • Chat rooms and online communication;
  • Bullying and cyberbullying awareness;
  • Appropriate responses to bullying and cyberbullying; and
  • Safe and responsible use of digital technology.

11. POLICY AVAILABILITY AND ANNUAL REVIEW WITH STUDENTS

Fell Charter School shall:

  1. Make this policy available on its publicly accessible Internet website;
  2. Make this policy available in every classroom;
  3. Post this policy at a prominent location within the school building where such notices are usually posted;
  4. Ensure that the policy and procedures for reporting bullying and cyberbullying are reviewed with students within ninety (90) days after adoption; and
  5. Ensure that the policy and reporting procedures are reviewed with students at least once each school year thereafter.

12. POLICY REVIEW AND STATE REPORTING

The Board shall review this policy at least once every three (3) years and revise it as necessary to remain consistent with applicable law.

Fell Charter School shall provide the Pennsylvania Department of Education with a copy of its bullying and cyberbullying policy annually as required by law.

The school shall maintain appropriate records of bullying and cyberbullying incidents to support required state reporting.

Incident records shall identify, as applicable, whether an incident was determined to constitute bullying or cyberbullying and whether a cyberbullying incident was suspected to involve artificial intelligence-generated or modified media.

All records shall be maintained in accordance with applicable federal and state student privacy, records retention, and confidentiality requirements.

13. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER POLICIES AND LAWS

This policy shall be incorporated into Fell Charter School’s Student Code of Conduct and shall be implemented in conjunction with other applicable Board policies, school procedures, and federal and state laws.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit the school’s authority or obligation to address conduct that violates other school rules, Board policies, or applicable law.

Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to alter or limit any rights or protections provided to students or employees under federal or state law.

14. REFERENCES

Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, §1303.1-A
Act 20 of 2026
22 Pa. Code §12.3(c)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g
34 CFR Part 99