The VISD Communications Department along with our campuses is asking for your help with concerning student behavior we are seeing on social media, particularly Instagram. Students and parents have reported an increase in inappropriate and harmful Instagram accounts where student pictures are being posted without their consent and students are submitting inappropriate and harmful comments regarding other students. Some accounts have cruel or hurtful themes that specifically name students. This recent social media trend is impacting schools across the nation.
VISD will fully cooperate with the Victoria Police Department to assist in identifying students responsible for creating these harmful accounts. Students determined to be responsible for cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment will face consequences in accordance with the student code of conduct and the law. This includes the possibility of punishment of up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and restitution costs.
We ask that you talk with your student about their presence on social media. One way to resolve this problem is for students to stop following these accounts. Another is for students and parents to report these accounts to Instagram as inappropriate.
Thank you for your collective efforts in speaking with your students about the importance of respecting others, as well as reporting inappropriate behavior as we work together to foster pride in our schools and a safe environment for all students.