Journal #5-Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Accountable for Cyberbullying? (NETS-T IV)

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

This is a GREAT article. Bogacz brings up both sides to why teachers, parents, school administrators and students should and should not intervene when it comes to cyberbullying.

For being held responsible:

• Teachers: Teachers should be held not only responsible, but should keep an open eye and ear to children who voice being bullied via internet and cellphones. It is the teacher's job to know the law and know what enforcements they need to apply to get the situation resolved.
• Parents: Parents should hold all the control to what their children are doing on social networking sites as well as their cellphones. Proper punishment (such as removing a certain social networking site) should be enforced if the priviledge is abused.
• School administrators: School administrators should also be held responsible when it comes to the laws of bullying in general as well as be able to involve law enforcement if necessary.
• Students: Students should be made aware as to what constitutes as bullying and cyberbullying in this case. Bogacz mentions that most of the time peers do not want to involve themselves for fear that the bullying may turn to them, but this never helps the victim and/or the situation.

Gordillo counters the points above by mentioning that many of the schools simply do not have enough time and/or teachers and administrators after dealing with all of the students that already have behavioral problems. Gordillo mentions that it is up to the parents to show that each of their children is loved. This will assist in preventing any child from feeling as if they need to act out. He also suggests that schools can be of assistance, but the first place children should be learning their behavior from is from their own home environment.

Questions:

1. How can teachers assist with cyberbullying?
Teachers can first being by being knowledgable in the area of bullying. They can also bring the situation to the surface and address it to the students as well as be aware of when they may need to involve the principal for further investigation.

2. How can cyberbullying be prevented?
Gordillo suggests that by each child receiving love and education from their parents and/or family members will lead to non-behavioral issues at school.