In week four the topic is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic devices or technology to cause intimidation, embarrassment, and belittlement. Cyber bullying can be unwelcome emails, text messages, and comments on social media. Bullying and being bullied has been a part of school for some time now. It is something that teachers have been trained in seeing and addressing within the classroom. So, what about cyberbullying? Cyberbullying can take place within the classroom but it is more likely to take place out of school and without parental overwatch. Oftentimes teachers and staff may have a predetermined idea as to who might be a bully or be bullied. Those predetermined notions do not carry over to the online world. The truth is that anyone can be cyberbullied. Even those that may be a bully can be bullied online. With cyberbullying on the rise school states have started to adopt bullying and cyberbullying policies. These laws now mandate that school districts have precautions in place. So how can teachers better understand and help students suffering from cyberbullying?
According to Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin there are preventative bullying and cyberbullying actions that schools and teachers can do. Through their research they were able to create top ten tips to prevent bullying and cyberbullying. As teachers we need to become educated on the concepts of cyberbullying. We need to understand where it is most likely to occur and how to address the issue. As a teacher you should always take bullying seriously. It is not the teacher’s job to determine if bullying has happened. It is your job to take is serious and be a trusted individual for the victim. In our school districts we need to encourage students to no longer be bystanders. I think this is somewhat a school issue that has been created by teachers over the years. I think back to when I was in school. How many times did a teacher say to you don’t tattle? I think that some students worry that they might be labeled as the tattler. They may also worry about retaliation from the bully or bullies. By following these tips schools can help create a positive and enriching school climate.
Parent involvement is key. Schools can play an important part by informing parents about cyberbullying. Schools need to invite parents into workshops and meetings to get them more involved with their child’s safety online. As more and more schools are going one-to-one students will be handed an electronic device. These devices have unlimited potential but it also brings with its dangers. Cyberbullying is one of those dangers that parents need to understand.
One point of interest is gathering of evidence. It is important for both parents and schools to collect evidence. Without evidence it can be difficult for schools or law enforcement to stop or charge anyone in cyberbullying cases. Schools have the right to regulate speech that promotes illegal or harmful activity under Morse v. Frederick (2007). In order to support schools many Area Education Agencies have developed professional development to help educate teachers on the topic of Bullying and Cyberbullying.
When it comes to the issue of cyberbullying, parent and teachers need to take it seriously. Suicide in teens is a growing concerns and cyberbullying can compound that issue even more. Schools are responsible for the safety of their students. In 2007, the Iowa legislature mandated that all school districts have anti-harassment/anti-bullying policies. With the weight of state laws schools can no longer allow bullying and cyberbullying to go unnoticed.
Resources
Essex, N.L. (2016). School lae and the public school: A practical guide for educational leaders. (6thed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. (Section Cyberbullying, pp.111-113).
Greta, C. (n.d.). Cyberbullying, doing something about it lawfully.Retrieved from https://www.educateiowa.gov/sites/files/ed/documents/cyberbullying.pdf
Hinduja, S., P.H.D, & Patchin, J. W., P.H.D. (2015, April). Developing a Positive School Climate Top Ten Tips to Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying.
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