Journal 8: (NETS-T IV, V)

Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?

Bogacz, R., & Gordillo, M.G. (2011). Point/counterpoint: should schools be held responsible for cyberbullying? Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx

Summary: The issue of cyber-bulling greatly affects students, schools, and parents. This article discusses the two sides revolving around the question of if schools should be help responsible for cyber-bulling. The results show that 30 percent of those polled responded yes and 70 percent responded with no. The reasons for each side are as follows:

"Yes, schools should be held responsible for cyber-bulling."

Due to the fact that cyber-bulling affects classrooms and schools, then schools cannot ignore it. However, all groups need to be involved in order for the issue to be addressed correctly. This includes teachers, students, school administrators, and parents as well. Teachers need to listen to students, know rules, laws and resources to help those who come forward as victims. They also need to know to never assume that bullying is typical behavior. Students need to be educated about what they can do to help victims because bystanders are sometimes fearful of getting involved. Administrators should establish clear rules and enforce consequences of bullying. Parents should also be more involved in monitoring children’s phones and internet usage.

"No, schools should not be held responsible for cyber bulling."

From this viewpoint, parents are the one who should be the responsible party. Schools have too many other serious issues to address that this cannot be one of them. There are too many children problems rooted from the parents that the schools cannot fix. More support at home can possibly fix the children’s feelings of needing to harass others. Parents are the first to educate their children and need to learn how to be the primary education provider. Schools should establish an open communication with parents if possible in order to help this serious issue.

Question 1: Should schools be held responsible for cyber-bulling?

A1: This question is hard to answer because I believe that parents and school should both be responsible. Parents should monitor their children more closely and schools should not be afraid to step in if something is brought to their attention. I think having law enforcement come in to talk to the students would be a great way for schools to get more involved. At home, parents should not be afraid to check internet history and monitor online activity such as Facebook.

Question 2: How should children be punished if caught cyber-bulling?

A2: There are many ways to enforce consequences of cyber-bulling and each case is different. However, one good idea would have the child read about effects of bullying and stories about some students that have actually ended their own lives because of it. Then they should have to write a substantially lengthy essay about it compiled with community service.