TRENTON — College students are back to school and the state wants them concentrating on their studies and not worrying about online predators or Web bullies.
Attorney General Anne Milgram, therefore, asked colleges and universities in New Jersey Aug. 26 to warn incoming freshmen and returning students about the dangers of sexual predators surfing the Internet, and cyber-bullying and harassment.
According to a press release, Milgram sent a letter to the presidents of New Jersey’s institutions of higher education asking them to include the topic cyber-harassment, which includes stalking, bullying, and/or sexual exploitation, with consequences for those who engage in these activities.
“As a new school year is about to commence, I write to express my concerns about the online safety of your students,” Milgram wrote. “The Internet is a terrific tool for communicating and expanding our horizons; however, it also provides a forum for predatory, fraudulent, and harassing behavior.
Milgram also said the schools should limit access to their school directory information as well as establish and advertise the availability of resources for students who are victims of cyber-harassment and should provide training for staff.
Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) intends to add to measures it already takes regarding student behavior and cyber-safety.
“Information from the state attorney general’s mandate is already covered in large part by ACCC’s Zero Tolerance Policy which is communicated to students in the Student Handbook/Calendar that is available to all students,” said Carmen Royal, dean of students at ACCC. “I mentioned the policy in my remarks on New Student Day. In addition, many faculty include it in their syllabi.”
“In response to the Milgram request, we will work to develop a policy with more explicit language and when it is complete that will be added to our student policies and added to our online student handbook,” she concluded.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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