TUCSON, AZ — As Tucson students prepare to head back to the classroom next week, Tucson police are reminding families that back-to-school safety extends beyond campus and into the digital world.
Ahead of the Aug. 6 start of the school year, the Tucson Police Department is urging students and parents to be vigilant about cyberbullying and practice safe online habits.
If a student experiences cyberbullying, police recommend not responding. Instead, they advise protecting personal information, reporting and blocking the account involved, and saving evidence such as screenshots, messages, comments and the dates and times they occurred.
Officers also encourage students to tell a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or school counselor, if they are being bullied online.
"Things you say and do online are there forever," the department said in its back-to-school message, adding that "teasing is not always as innocent as it may seem."
"Together, we can create a safer environment for our youth, online and offline," police said.
The department also directed families to StopBullying.gov for information about bullying prevention and Arizona's anti-bullying laws.
The reminder comes as Tucson Unified School District prepares to welcome students back on Aug. 6. Teachers report July 30, with planning days scheduled for Aug. 3-5 before classes begin.
The district's calendar also includes fall break Oct. 12-16, Thanksgiving break Nov. 25-27, winter break beginning in late December, Rodeo Break Feb. 25-26, spring break March 22-26 and graduation ceremonies May 24-25. Students will also be released one hour early every Wednesday throughout the school year.
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