Thursday, April 14, 2011

Journal 8- " Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?" (NETS III, IV, V)

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

The YES argument:
Technology had created an easy way for students to bully one another. Regardless where the bullying takes place, it greatly affects the kid’s life at school. Therefore it is vital that educators and school officials do not overlook it. From teachers to student, and parents to administrators, it is important that they all work together otherwise it is inevitable in today’s society. Administrators need to take whatever actions are justifiable to ensure the students in the school are in technologically safe environment. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep a tab on their children’s cyber world. They should check their phones and social networks on a regular basis to and know what their children are up to. Students need to know the relevance of cyber bullying and its common existence in today’s culture. The victims of cyber bullying need to act rather than just live with it. They must understand that it wrong and can be very threatening. Students who have been victimized in this sense may need to take part in counseling.
The NO argument:
Some people believe that behavioral problems that didn’t begin in the classroom, such as most cases of cyber bullying, should not end in the classroom. This has become such a major issue because we, as a society, have lost the importance of family as an institution. The weaker families get, the more bullying that occurs. Love is the vaccine for bullying. Parents who genuinely love their children and show it don’t need to be too concerned with their child being a cyber bully, but possibly a victim. Finding love in your home is merely impossible in some circumstances. In so many areas of our country today, both parents are required to work all day. Also, the divorce rate is at its peak. Considering these two aspects alone, the lack of love is very pertinent.  

Question 1: In what level of institution do you feel that cyber bullying is most relevant?
Answer 1: I believe that cyber bullying happens most in middle school. Most elementary school students lack the knowledge and capability in regards to social networks. Most high school students have adopted a stern personality and if they are going to duke it out, it won’t be over the internet. Middle school students on the other hand have a limited amount of knowledge when it comes to the internet, and sadly that knowledge is all in the world of social-networking. This is the age when kids are most vulnerable, trying to find themselves and scrutinizing others helps their process of self-realization.
Question 2: Do you, personally, believe that schools should be held responsible for cyber bullying?
Answer 2: No. I think that schools should definitely do everything possible to stop this issue and it is their civil duty but they aren’t responsible for the spark that lit the candle. It is not the schools fault that the students are defiant and disrespectful, it is the families fault. With the issue constantly escalating, it is definitely something that administration needs to regulate. They need to come up with a stern set of consequences.

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