Albany County School District No. 1 officials are asking for help from parents to monitor Laramie Junior High School student’s social media use amid concerns of cyber-bullying.

In an email sent to parents of LJHS students, Principal Debbie Fisher notified parents of the situation and asked for any assistance the parents could offer.

“In the last three weeks there has been a significant number of students reporting cyber-bullying via Snapchat, Facebook, text, etc.,” Fisher writes in the email.

Fisher said in the email that many of the incidents had taken place after school hours or over the weekend, but the situations spilled over into school hours.

Fisher wrote that she notified students that their phones would be confiscated if the students used them during school hours and would only be returned after a conference with parents.  She said the school could do nothing about cyber-bullying after school hours and would like to work with parents to keep students safe.

Director of State and Federal Programs Stuart Nelson said the school is currently working through the issue to figure out all of the students involved.

“When we get a report of cyber-bullying, we work through it using the district’s bullying process,” Nelson said. “If we find anything happening that is against the law, we will bring in our school resource officers.

Nelson said most of the incidents have taken place off school grounds, which is why the district reached out to parents. Nelson said the district is also implementing a few student training sessions to educate children and parents on the dangers of cyber-bullying.

“Our goal is to educate students about this issue moving forward,” Nelson said.

The full text of the email was provided by a LJHS parent. It can be viewed here:

“Safety Concern:

Parents, we need your help. In the last three weeks there has been a significant number of students reporting cyber-bullying via Snapchat, Facebook, text, etc. We are concerned for the safety of all of those involved.  Most of these incidents have occurred after school hours or over the weekend, however, the situations spill over to school hours. We are asking for your help in monitoring your students’ technology use. I have announced to students today that if their phones are out during school hours they may be confiscated and returned after a conference with parents. Any cyber-bullying taking place during non-school hours is a law enforcement matter and the school will not intervene in these situations.  We would like to work with parents to make sure all students are safe and making positive choices inside and outside of school. Any assistance you are able to offer will be greatly appreciated.

Debbie Fisher
Principal
Laramie Middle School”

More From Laramie Live