Deb Falenschek couldn't have been any clearer.

Before the Northfield School Board meeting could hit a stride Monday night, Falenschek set the tone during open comment to address the issue of bullying—specifically cyber-bullying.

"I'm here on behalf of the students," she told the board, saying something had to be done to save vulnerable students of their dignity.

On the agenda Monday night was a revised policy to prohibit bullying, which passed unanimously, without discussion. The board went over the policy—last revised in August 2006—at its last meeting. The revisions specifically address cyber-bullying.

Anti-bullying advocacy has gained nationwide attention this school year as news of harassment of homosexual students has splashed across websites, TV and newspapers. The Minnesota Legislature is expected to address the issue in its 2011 session.

Cyber-bullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones, according to stopcyberbullying.org. It has to involve a minor on both sides, the website says, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor.

Falenschek said it's not hard to find cyber-bullying or sexting in Northfield schools.

Sexting is an exchange of lewd comments or photos between two people using cellular phones. Falenschek said she knows examples of seniors requesting 14-year-old girls for naked photos of themselves.

"I know these are things that are happening," Falenschek warned the board.

Superintendent Chris Richardson, speaking to the board two hours later before its vote on the policy, said the new policy does not address sexting. He said sexting falls under the school's harassment policy.

In order for someone to receive disciplinary measures at school for sexting, there has to be at least two people who have seen the text and are willing to confirm it with school officials. The original text or a copy of the text also works, Richardson said.

It also needs to have happened during school hours or at a school event. However, it if happens outside of school hours but the issue carries over to school, Richardson said that could lead to discipline.

Falenschek said she is hopeful district administration and the board stick to the policy and disciplines students not adhering to it.

Her concerns with cyber-bullying stem from issues that arose when her children attended the district. As an eighth-grader, Falenschek said she found her daughter crying in her room one night because she had been harassed online by peers.

Despite all the positive contributions to the community the city's youth may make, Falenschek said some students act differently when among only their peers.

"We might look good on paper as a community, but there are issues that are hurting our children," she said.