cyberbullying

The internet is a large place that can either be helpful or damaging to a child. It is also something you wouldn’t want your child roaming free on. One of the damaging aspects of the internet is cyber bullying. For example, the words that are exchanged online can be as harmful as the words that are said in person. I agree with the author that there should be information passed on to students and to parents about the dangers of cyberspace. The students should also be taught how to use technology responsibly. I also agree that policies about bullying and cyber bullying should be dispersed to students and parents in the beginning of the school year. These policies would inform them about the possible consequences if the students partake in any of these acts. Respectfulness can also play a part in stopping cyber bullying. How? Well with respect of each other there will be no reason to shame anybody, but everyone must also have respect for themselves. Monitoring the use of the child’s internet use or teaching them what not to do when online, are the only the two ways to insure that the technology is being used safely.
In the article the author says students should use the internet, because “eventually, all children will be exposed to things in cyberspace that are problematic.” I agree that they will soon come in contact with sexual predators, kidnappers, and others with malicious or perverse intent, but that can happen anywhere. This article is very informative and opinionated. I say it’s informative because it has ways for the teachers and administrators to get involved to try and stop the bullying. There are also anti bully policies, and rules for the computers, and other devices at schools. I absolutely agree that “The schools need to promote a safe and friendly environment for all students, teachers and other staff, all of whom can be subjected to bullying in many forms, including cyber bullying. Simply passing policies which prohibit bullying is not, in our opinion, going to accomplish the desired results. Bullying in any form, regardless of the media used, is wrong, destructive, and potentially a problem for students and, in some cases, teachers, if they fear for their peace of mind or their safety while in school.” I believe that the point is valid and should be enforced.
When it comes to the policies when using the computers and other devices at school, I agree that “Every school district should have a comprehensive Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) governing the use of technology provided by or used in the schools.” Students shouldn’t be able to access anything that isn’t school related. For example, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and yahoo messenger just to name a few. Students also need to know which devices are allowed on the school property. Cell phones need to be allowed in school, but I think they need to be kept by the teacher because kids can be bullying via text message. According to the article, “some schools have simply elected to ban all such devices from campus. These actions have led to criticism by some parents, who say they need to be able to contact their kids in case of an emergency.”
Last but not least, the author says, “several nonprofit organizations have also developed curricula that a school can utilize to educate staff and students about the nature and consequences of cyber bullying. For example, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently launched a nationwide initiative, entitled "Cyber bullying: Understanding and Addressing Online Cruelty," which includes lesson plans for elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. The organization also offers interactive workshops for middle and high school staff. More information about the ADL's cyber bullying programming can be found at www.adl.org. Also, The Ophelia Project, a nonprofit organization that works with schools to create safer social climates to reduce aggression among students, also provides trainings and workshops for schools about cyber bullying. Their work focuses on combating relational and other nonphysical forms of aggression by promoting emotional well-being and helping youth develop healthy peer relationships. More information can be found at www.opheliaproject.org. Finally, i-SAFE (www.isafe.org) has created an extensive Internet safety curriculum for K-12 youth classrooms and also works to educate community members through comprehensive outreach programs.”
In conclusion, I agree with the article because cyber bullying has to come to an end soon. Children shouldn’t have to be scared or worried about using the internet because of someone making fun of them. Also, I agree that the internet is a dangerous place to expose children to, but you can’t keep them away from it. Parents should try and monitor what is going on, and contact there internet provider and see what else can be done to protect them.