Cyberbullying: School Responsibility?

Cyberbullying "involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others. -Bill Belsey"

I haven't been a victim of cyberbullying, nor have I been a perpetrator. As people build lives that require connection to mobile phones and computers, it's obvious that old fashioned bullying would transfer over to these domains. What's scary is how this can be done in anonymous ways.

Schools are still grappling with how to address cyberbullying. Some have enacted specific policies. Meanwhile, some states have legislation against it. For schools, the legal concern centers on how far their enforcing power extends from school property. Most cyberbullying does not occur from school-owned computers or mobile phones, but rather those owned by the perpetrator. Did the actions occur on school property during school hours? Were they committed elsewhere? What is the effect on the classroom and school environment? All three are important questions that schools must consider before attempting to step into a cyberbullying situation.

I believe that schools should protect students from off-site cyberbullying through enforcement action. More often than not fellow classmates are involved, and the resulting learning environment can be toxic. Furthermore, students may find it nearly impossible to get away from the bullying as using electronic devices is a big part of daily life. Schools have a responsibility to protect students.

Some signs of cyberbullying include:

Source: http://www.cyberbullying.us/cyberbullying_warning_signs.pdf

• unexpectedly stops using the computer
• appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant
Message, text message, or Email appears
• appears uneasy about going to school or
outside in general
• appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated
after using the computer
• avoids discussions about what they are doing
on the computer
• becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual
friends and family members

Transferring into the classroom, I plan to be pre-emptive on cyberbullying. Including a definition, district policy, and state laws in the class syllabus along with a class discussion would go a long way to curb most issues. This would also provide a foundation for students to know what's acceptable and seek out help if they feel threatened. From this point, victims or perpetrators could be worked with on an individual basis.

Being part digital immigrant, I'm just beginning to think about cyberbullying. I hope that I can create a classroom environment where students can feel welcome and comfortable. Cyberbullying education and eradication will certainly be a part of this.