Journal 8: "Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying" NETS-T 4

Bogacz, R, & Gordillo, M, G. (2011). Point/counterpoint: should schools be held responsible for cyber bullying. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/March-2011-Point-Counterpoint.sflb.ashx

Summary:
In this article, the point and counterpoint to the argument against schools responsibility in the battle against cyber bullying are addressed. Renee Bogacz offers the argument that that teachers and administration are responsible along with parents and students. This is because whether the bullying occurs on or of campus, the damage will greatly affect the schools environment as well as teenage culture. She argues that in order to make a change away from cyber bullying, teachers, administration parents and students must all work together and be on the same page. Teachers must begin by listening to their students and providing them with available resources. Administration must then establish clear consequences and follow threw with them so students know this behavior is not tolerated. Parents must monitor their children’s cell phone and computer use, and insist that they delete offensive material. Finally, students need to understand what cyber bullying is and take a stand against it by not being a bystander, but rather encouraging other students to report it.
The counter-argument was written by Migual Gordillo. He argued that schools can not be held responsible for behaviors that have been learned at home. He claims that today’s society has lost touch with the institution of functional families. With more and more kids living in broken homes, dual income homes, and young uneducated parents, more kids are not being offered the LOVE they need to learn compassion and tolerance towards others. Since parents are the primary educators, they must learn how to raise their children how to treat others, and the difference between right and wrong. In his opinion, educators can help parents with this by communicating with the parents about their educational plan for their children, and providing them with helpful resources.

Question 1: Do you agree with the argument, or counter-argument?

While the counter-argument is true that most behavior problems are learned at home, I believe the argument is correct that it is the responsibility of teachers, administration and parents to ensure children’s cyber safety. All of the above are responsible for teaching, monitoring and protecting children’s safety since they are all role models and positive influences on children’s development.

Question 2: What ways can you influence your students to take a stand against cyber bullying?

I believe it is important to teach students about what cyber bullying is and how they can recognize it. I believe a great time to do this would be during character lessons, when you can address what is right and what is wrong. Students will learn what cyber bullying is, how it can affect classmates, and what they can do to make a difference.