Cyberbullying

According to an article in the New York Times entitled, Online bullies Pull Schools Into the Fray, cyberbullying has become an ever-increasing problem for students-- especially those in middle school. The article discusses a number of issues, but a few really stand out in my mind. Students are inundated with new forms of social networking. Tweens are obsessive about having friends, labeling them, and feeling included. Unfortunately, one of the major ways some tweens feel included is by excluding others. This used to take place at school, in a real environment that is easily observable. Now, the name-calling and back-stabbing take place in cyberspace and there is nobody who is able to monitor it all. The article quoted one young tween as saying, "It's easier to be mean on facebook". Many people who would not have the gumption to confront somebody in person are using cyberspace as an arena to act in ways that are deeply offensive.

Schools have tried to react to the cyberbullying phenomenon, but some have done better than others. Many schools are already weighed down with the bullying that takes place on school grounds, and might not feel as if they have the resources to address cyberspace situations. The problem is that the people who are fighting online are often the same ones who are doing so at school. Schools that neglect the issue of cyberbullying will eventually have to deal with it. What can we, as educators, do to prepare? Because if we do nothing, we will be in the same boat as BP-- cleaning up a giant mess that could have been prevented with careful planning and precautions.

It is time for us to embrace the era of social networking, to involve ourselves into the intricate media web so that we will better understand how to deal with these situations. The first way, is to educate students about the issues. If we do not become role models for proper social networking use, then tweens will only have each other to emulate. Secondly, schools must set up a way for students to anonymously report instances of cyberbullying. There are many kids who know that cyberbullying is painful and dangerous. It is our educational duty to provide them with a safe place to voice their concerns before they become insurmountable. Finally, we must come up with a consistent understanding for inappropriate behaviors and consequences. The courts haven't been consistent and they need to get with the times. Our students are depending on us.

Hoffman, J. (2010). Online bullies pull schools into the fray. The New York Times. Retrieved July 3, 2010 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/style/28bully.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&adxnnl=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1278180054-W%20J6LWVlTpLVuvSf2vIglw