LEP: PART 1 – MORAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 2
Analyzes Data
Greensville County Public Schools is in a rural area. Edward W. Wyatt Middle School is
the only middle school in the county. The school serves 6-8th grade and houses 533 students.
Girls make up 45% and the boys make up 55%. Greensville County Public schools’ current
policy outlines acceptable use of electronic communication devices and social media by students
both on and off school property. This includes guidelines for behavior online and for student-
created content. The policy also provides information on potential consequences for violations of
the policy. However, after speaking with several teachers and an administrator, it is the
consensus that the policy should be changed. The current policy addresses the appropriate
behavior online, but does not cover the use of social media and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is
just like regular bullying except it takes place online. According to Cherian (2019), Cyber
bullying typically starts at about 9 years of age and usually ends after 14 years of age; after 14, it
becomes cyber or sexual harassment. Cyberbullying affects 65-85% of kids, 90% of middle
school students polled had their feelings hurt online, 65% of their students between 8-14 have
been involved directly or indirectly in a cyberbullying incident as the cyber bully, victim or
friend (Cherian, 2019).
Analyzes the Policy
The environment surrounding the Greensville County Public Schools electronic school
policy includes the current policies, practices, demographics, and other contextual factors related
to the issue of student use of electronic communication devices and social media. Current
policies surrounding this issue include the existing electronic communication devices and social
media policy, which outlines acceptable use of technology by students, both on and off school
property. The policy also provides guidelines for appropriate online behavior and student-created
LEP: PART 1 – MORAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 3
content, and emphasizes the importance of protecting students' privacy and safety in the online
space.
Practices related to decreasing this issue include educational programs for students and
staff on digital ethics and responsible use of technology, as well as internet safety and online
etiquette. The school could also work to address issues of cyberbullying and harassment through
proactive interventions, such as providing safe reporting channels for students, and developing
anti-bullying programs to encourage inclusion, acceptance, and respect in the school community.
Demographics related to this issue include a diverse student body with varied cultural and
socioeconomic backgrounds. It is essential to consider how these diverse perspectives may
impact the use of electronic communication devices and social media, and the potential for
harmful behavior online.
Other contextual factors related to the issue include the ever-evolving nature of
technology and how it is used by students, both in and out of the classroom. It is important for
the policy to remain flexible and adaptable to changing technologies and new challenges related
to student use of technology. Additionally, the policy must consider legal and regulatory
frameworks that encompass its use. The contextual factors surrounding the Greensville County
Public Schools electronic school policy are diverse and complex, requiring a nuanced and
flexible approach to policy development and implementation. By taking into account factors
such as existing policies, practices, demographics, and legal and regulatory frameworks, the
policy can better address the evolving challenges related to student use of electronic
communication devices and social media.
Analyzes the Focal Group
I discussed the importance of the Greensville County Public Schools electronic school
policy and how it impacts the entire student population in a meeting with parents, administrators,
LEP: PART 1 – MORAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 4
and stakeholders. The policy provides guidelines for the appropriate use of electronic devices
and social media by students both on and off school property. It also addresses the legal and
moral implications of misuse or harmful use of these technologies.
In the meeting with parents, administrators, and stakeholders in Greensville County
Public schools, there was a common goal of wanting a safe and inclusive learning environment
for our students. Many parents of the students voiced the need of paying close attention to the
needs of our students when it comes to electronic devices and social media use. The
administrators and other stakeholders identified a need for privacy and protection from
cyberbullying, harassment, and inappropriate content. A shared concern is that although
addressed through the policy, which provides guidelines for behaviors online and content
creation, the policy should be more definitive in terms of its expectations given the nature of
social media today. The policy provides in depth information about potential consequences for
violating the policy, which is crucial for ensuring students' safety and protection which was also
a focal point of the discussion.
Ultimately, we recognize the students' need to be clearly informed about their rights and
responsibilities as digital citizens. By educating the students and enforcing the policy, it
encourages students to engage in the responsible use of technology, internet safety, and online
etiquette, through clear guidelines and educational programs; thus, helping students
communicate, learn, and interact with their peers safely through technology. In addition, we
understand that our students have a need to connect with their peers and express themselves
through social media and electronic devices. The goal of the policy is to balance students' right to
free speech and expression with the needs of the school community. In order to meet this goal,
we will need to continue to emphasize the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and respect for
LEP: PART 1 – MORAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 5
diverse perspectives and backgrounds as it provides a framework for healthy and productive
discussions in the online space.
Overall, it is clear that each specific student’s needs inform aspects of the Greensville
County Public Schools electronic school policy. The policy takes into account the legal and
moral implications of technology use and provides clear guidance for students on how to be
responsible digital citizens whilst encouraging individuality and educational development fit for
students in this era.
LEP: PART 1 – MORAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 6
References
Cherian, V. E. (2019). Cyberbullying. Research Journal of Science and Technology, 11(1), 73.
Disruptive behavior - student code of conduct and Handbook - Greensville County Public
Schools. (n.d.). https://www.gcps1.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?
uREC_ID=548675&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=1052307
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