TUSD reminds parents to monitor students' online activity

As the new school year approaches, Tucson Unified School District is reminding families that its rules against bullying apply both in person and online. The district is asking parents to monitor students’ social media, phones and other electronic devices.

TUSD classifies misuse of technology on campus as a Level 2 violation, which can result in in-school suspension. Using a device to bully another student is a Level 3 violation and can lead to out-of-school suspension. The rules apply to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

For nonsexual cyberbullying reports, a principal can investigate the situation even if it happened off campus. A first offense may result in a suspension of up to three days. Reports involving sexual harassment or sexual assault go through a Title IX process before disciplinary action is issued.

District officials say cyberbullying cases can take longer to investigate because the devices belong to students and their families. Parents may need to give permission for phones to be checked, and law enforcement could become involved. TUSD advises families to save screenshots of harmful posts or messages before they are deleted. School counselors, social workers and restorative practice facilitators are available to support students.