# data[].attributes.body
Over time, the cyber world has become more and more accessible. Very few youth and adults in this modern world exist without a cell phone, tablet, or some type of electronic. In fact, studies show that in 2016, over 96% of teens, ages 12-17 years old, have a cell phone accessible to the web (Patchin, 2016). With such increase, the issue of cyberbullying has originated. “Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices”, as defined by the Cyberbullying Research Center (Patchin, 2016).

The issue of cyberbullying has become so prevalent that schools and courts are beginning to gain awareness and take action. In 2016, high school student David Molak endured so much online harassment, that he committed suicide. In an effort to prevent any others from going through the hurt they endured, David’s parents began to advocate for youth who experience cyberbullying. They worked to create SB 179, also known as David’s Law, which was signed into effect in June 2016 (Jones, 2017). Under David’s Law, schools are responsible for providing anonymous reporting of bullying incidents, time parameters are placed on schools for reporting to parents. Additionally, cyberbullying is now a Class B misdemeanor.

As a current educator and future school counselor, it is imperative that I know and understand the parameters of this law and all that it entails. Due to the fact that schools have only three business days to report to parents of the victimized student and the parents of the bully, schools and personnel can become legally liable if these procedures are not followed. Often, because of the nature of the job, school counselors would most likely be the adult many students confide in and report to (Shariff, 2005). Not knowing the process set up by the school and legislature, could cause damage not only to the students, the case, and the school, but to the counselor as well. Counselors also play a vital role in educating students on cyberbullying and the consequences. With the passing of this law, students are held to a higher legal standard of punishment. Counselors must know the consequences, educate students of them, and create lessons describing the pain these actions can cause each individual involved. Education may mean the difference between a student having a criminal record or not, or worse, life and death.

# data[].attributes.body
Over time, the cyber world has become more and more accessible. Very few youth and adults in this modern world exist without a cell phone, tablet, or some type of electronic. In fact, studies show that in 2016, over 96% of teens, ages 12-17 years old, have a cell phone accessible to the web (Patchin, 2016). With such increase, the issue of cyberbullying has originated. “Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices”, as defined by the Cyberbullying Research Center (Patchin, 2016).

The issue of cyberbullying has become so prevalent that schools and courts are beginning to gain awareness and take action. In 2016, high school student David Molak endured so much online harassment, that he committed suicide. In an effort to prevent any others from going through the hurt they endured, David’s parents began to advocate for youth who experience cyberbullying. They worked to create SB 179, also known as David’s Law, which was signed into effect in June 2016 (Jones, 2017). Under David’s Law, schools are responsible for providing anonymous reporting of bullying incidents, time parameters are placed on schools for reporting to parents. Additionally, cyberbullying is now a Class B misdemeanor.

As a current educator and future school counselor, it is imperative that I know and understand the parameters of this law and all that it entails. Due to the fact that schools have only three business days to report to parents of the victimized student and the parents of the bully, schools and personnel can become legally liable if these procedures are not followed. Often, because of the nature of the job, school counselors would most likely be the adult many students confide in and report to. Not knowing the process set up by the school and legislature, could cause damage not only to the students, the case, and the school, but to the counselor as well. Counselors also play a vital role in educating students on cyberbullying and the consequences. With the passing of this law, students are held to a higher legal standard of punishment. Knowing these consequences, educating students of them, and educating of the pain these actions can cause each individual involved, may mean the difference in students having a criminal record, or worse, life and death.

# data[].attributes.body
During my website research, I came across several sites that provide important information on David's Law and cyber bullying. I found the Cyber Bullying Research Center's cite to be most helpful educational. Information regarding laws, research, and resources are well laid out and user-friendly. The source offers information for anyone who may be dealing with cyber bullying from victims, to parents and educators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cyberbullying Continues to Rise among Youth in the United States

Here at the Cyberbullying Research Center, we routinely collect data from middle and high school students so that we can keep on top of what they are experiencing online. Over the last two decades, we have completed about twenty unique studies of teens and tweens in the United States involving more than 30,000 subjects. And [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cyberbullying Research Center - How to Identify, Prevent, and Respond

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cyberbullying presents a dangerous threat in today's digital world to youth and adults alike. Access up-to-date resources and research on cyberbullying for parents, educators, students, non-profits, and tech companies. Read victim stories, learn about cyberbullying laws, and download relevant tips and strategies.

# data[].attributes.body
Upon completion of receiving my Masters in Education and gaining a School Counselor Certification, I plan on becoming the school counselor at Junction Elementary.

# data[].attributes.body
American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (2019). Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/

Jones, M. (2017, June 12). Texas' new cyberbullying law. Retrieved from https://www.bhwlawfirm.com/cyberbullying-davids-law-texas/

National Education Association (NEA). (2019). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/

Patchin, J. W. (2016, November 26). 2016 Cyberbullying data. Retrieved from https://cyberbullying.org/2016-cyberbullying-data

Shariff, S. (2005). Cyber-dilemmas in the new millennium: School obligations to provide student safety in a virtual school environment. McGill Journal of Education, 40(3), 467–487. Retrieved from https://easydb.angelo.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eue&AN=507851739&site=eds-live

# data[].attributes.headline
School Counselor: Legal and Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.subject
School Counselor: Legal and Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.body
Option 1:
Interview with Junction Elementary's School Counselor
I spoke with Norma Guzman, Junction Elementary's School Counselor. She serves as the school counselor for Kindergarten through 5th Grade students. The following are legal and ethical issues discussed during the interview.

Confidentiality is the number one item counselors and educators must keep at the forefront of their mind. Student information should only be shared with those who have legal rights to the child or an educational need to know. Failure to follow these parameters may result in severe legal action and consequences.

Often, in smaller schools, the school counselor serves as Testing Administrator (TA). With the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) fast approaching, legal aspects of the test have been the topic of numerous conversations. Every school personnel must be trained on the ins and outs of the test, and the TA becomes responsible for these procedures. Staying up to date on recent changes is imperative to all involved.

The legal issue Junction Independent School District (JISD) encounters most frequently deals with parental rights and custody situations. Documentation must be current, presented, and followed when a parent does not have access to their child.  Schools must take precaution and make sure to have legal documentation, not just a parent’s word.  Personnel should always stay well informed on laws and changes.

Recently, JISD made changes due to David’s Law.  David’s Law has changed the way students report bullying. Online reporting procedures were set in place. School districts are now held responsible for cyber bullying if they have knowledge and do not address it. Stakeholders must stay aware and current of the issue and laws surrounding it in order to ensure the safety of all involved.

It is always important to keep current with legal and ethical issues. This can be accomplished by attending professional developments when offered at our region service center, reading current news articles, attending conferences, or becoming a member of organizations which help to keep educators informed. Some of these organizations include: the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA), and the Texas Counselor Association (TCA).

(N. Guzman, personal communication, March 19, 2019.)

# data[].attributes.headline
School Counselor: Legal and Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.subject
School Counselor: Legal and Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.body
Option 2:
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
As an endorser of the Act, ASCA reports on the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Katherine Clark. ASCA, along with many other organizations, understands the need schools have for increased mental health staffing. Currently, school districts receive funds for these personnel through grants, which ultimately benefit few. Through the proposed Act, all 50 states would consistently receive grant funds to actively employ school counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
If passed, grants would be federally funded and divided proportionally. Schools receiving these funds would be committed and held accountable for improving mental health and wellness for their students ("American School Counselor Association (ASCA)", 2019).
---------------------------------------------------
In 2015, United States President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into effect. This replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. Within the new legislation, counselors can locate funding information regarding services within Title IV, part A: “Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants”. Changes made include providing a well-rounded education for all students, mentoring, counseling services, and technology usage for all students. A formula is created, allocating monetary percentages to particular areas of student success. Districts must take into account the input of stakeholders when developing a School Wide Program Plan, and provide a needs assessment ("American School Counselor Association (ASCA)", 2019).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

# data[].attributes.body
David's Law-
Senate Bill 179, otherwise known as David’s Law was passed in May 2017 in honor of a high school student who took his life after intensive cyber bullying. The law requires school districts to put into place anonymous reporting procedures, investigation procedures, and time-frames for reporting and parent notification.

# data[].attributes.body
In searching Angelo State University Library's database, I came across an article entitled "Cyber-Dilemmas in the New Millennium: School Obligations to Provide Student Safety in a Virtual School Environment". The article, written by Shaheen Shariff, delves into the psychological aspect of cyber bullying that occurs between teens. Also discussed within the text, the responsibility educators hold in reporting and preventing such bullying.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Angelo State University - Library Online Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Unauthorized use is prohibited; Usage may be subject to security testing and monitoring; Misuse is subject to criminal prosecution; No expectation of privacy except as otherwise provided by applicable privacy laws.

# data[].attributes.headline
School Counselor: Legal and Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.subject
School Counselor: Legal and Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.body
Option 2:
National Education Association (NEA)

On the home website of the National Education Association (NEA), I came across the House Bill entitled “Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act”. This particular bill is now moving to Senate for the next step in the judicial process. With this bill, an award would be developed and given to an outstanding Education Support Professional (ESP) each year called the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program. Award recipients would consist of  para-professionals, bus drivers, custodians, school secretaries, and cafeteria workers, just to name a few. Individuals who go above and beyond their job title contribution in grades K-12 aid in the growth of a well-rounded to school, and would be eligible for recognition ("National Education Association (NEA) ", 2019).
________________________________

Also discussed on NEA's website, is the newly proposed, American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) which works to support immigrants. This bill covers many aspects including minors who enter the United States unaccompanied by an adult. For numerous reasons, immigrants are given the right to remain in the United Stated as an undocumented immigrant. If passed, the bill grants immigrants extended stay, the right to pay in-state tuition, thus lowering their cost for education, and the ability to apply for financial aid and work-study programs ("National Education Association (NEA) ", 2019).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Education Association (NEA) is more than 3 million people-educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends-who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.