ENCORE: Waukee High School Supports Anti-Bullying Program

It's as painful as a physical altercation and can often be impossible to recover from. With all the social outlets teens have to communicate these days, cyberbullying has taken the place of the school yard fight.

That's why Jostens launched Pause Before You Post, a public service program designed to make students stop and think about what they're sharing electronically before they share it.

In a news release, principal Kirk Johnson said students at Waukee High School are being encouraged to participate in the Pause Before You Post program to make smarter decisions when it comes to using social media.

“We are committed to helping Waukee High School students, educators and parents understand the importance of preventing cyberbullying, practicing respectable digital citizenship and maintaining a positive online reputation,” said Johnson. "Pause Before You Post from Jostens gives us the tools and information to address critical questions about social media and enables a positive dialogue between students, parents and educators."

The program focuses on four key questions every student should ask themselves before posting something online:

• Who will be able to see what I post?
• Will anyone be embarrassed or hurt by it?
• Am I proud of what I’m posting?
• How would I feel if someone posted it about me?

Johnson said information and materials about Pause Before You Post will be available to students, parents and educators throughout the month of December. He also encourages other members of the community to consider taking the pledge when using social media themselves.

To learn more about the Pause Before You Post pledge and program, go to the Jostens website.