The meeting featured an in-depth seminar titled “Understanding HIV, Clicks, Comments, and Kindness,” which delved into the evolving nature of bullying from traditional methods to digital platforms. This seminar was a re-presentation due to previous technical difficulties and included contributions from a student intern, Nathaniel, who was recognized for his work on the presentation slides. The seminar outlined four primary goals for addressing bullying in the digital age: developing digital citizenship lessons, coordinating family support, training staff and teachers in social-emotional learning, and providing targeted support for students who engage in bullying behaviors. While three of these goals are either completed or ongoing, the curriculum and lesson development is still in progress.

The presentation detailed the criteria for defining harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIV) cases, noting that an incident must meet five specific criteria to be classified as such. These include the presence of a gesture or act, motivation by the victim’s perceived or actual characteristics, occurrence across various locations, substantial disruption of the student’s rights at school, and falling into one or more unacceptable behavior categories. The session clarified that not all negative interactions qualify as bullying but still require attention and support from the school.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on cyberbullying, with Nathaniel highlighting how it manifests through digital platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Cyberbullying can include doxing, where personal information is released without consent, and the posting of harmful content. Indicators that a child might be experiencing cyberbullying include changes in device usage, screen hiding, disconnection from peers, and loss of interest in activities. The associated mental health risks, such as depression and anxiety, affect both victims and aggressors.

The board emphasized the importance of documenting evidence, reporting incidents on relevant platforms, and blocking aggressors. Parents were urged to maintain open communication with their children about their online interactions and remain vigilant, even if their children appear to be performing well academically or socially.

The meeting also explored the implications of technology, particularly social media and AI, on student safety and well-being. Parents were advised to monitor their children’s online activities closely, including following their accounts and understanding the existence of private or “ghost” accounts. Recommendations for limiting screen time, moderating app usage, and establishing clear online behavior rules were shared, stressing the significance of parents modeling appropriate online behavior.

A video from Canada was presented to help prepare children for online challenges, transitioning the conversation to the topic of generative AI. This technology, capable of creating content based on existing data or prompts, has been used in both positive and negative contexts, including cyberbullying. Instances within the South Orange-Maplewood community involved fake videos or images created to embarrass others, including non-consensual nude images, which is illegal. Fake audio clips and impersonation tactics were also mentioned as tools for harassment.

The board underscored the importance of students becoming “upstanders” rather than bystanders, encouraging proactive measures when witnessing bullying. This includes thinking before sharing harmful content, taking screenshots as evidence, and reporting incidents to adults.

Another severe form of online threat, sextortion, was addressed, where victims are threatened with the release of private images unless they pay money or provide favors. These threats often originate from larger criminal organizations, and immediate action, including contacting law enforcement, is crucial. Parents were encouraged to talk openly with their children about these risks and reassure them that responsibility lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. Signs of online danger, such as secrecy around devices and unusual requests for money, were highlighted, stressing the need for parental engagement.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of digital citizenship, encompassing respectful online interactions and critical thinking about information veracity. The permanence of online content was reiterated, urging individuals to be mindful of their digital footprints. Adults were called to reflect on their behavior in online forums, as their interactions can influence children and contribute to a bullying culture. A guideline for online communication was shared: consider if the message is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind before posting.