Cyber-bullying and Online Harassment

Techno Prisoners: Musing on the New Bullying Paradigm

In the article, Techno Prisoners: Musing on the New Bullying Paradigm, writer Evany Thomas compares her own experiences on being bullied to how students are being harassed in today’s society. Thomas explains how students can take advantage of technology to pick on classmates, like by the use of picture and video messaging. Kids can use any social networking online cite like MySpace or Facebook, and can create groups just with the purpose of harassing other classmates. Thomas reports that legislators are trying to pass anti- cyber bullying bills to protect students because this is a growing problem for American middle and high schools. Schools are also educating students about the issue to help prevent online harassment, like the campaign “If you wouldn’t say it in person, why say it online?” Cyberbullying has become such a big issue that many students will not talk to a trusted adult or teacher if they are being bullied. Many parents of these children have resorted to homeschooling because even if a kid transfers schools, online comments can still follow them. Thomas suggests that maybe kids today, because they have to deal with online bullying will make them become more resilient and stronger.

After reading this article I agree that cyberbullying is an important issue in schools today, and with all the news surrounding the topic, it is more critical than ever to discuss it. I think that it is a great idea to pass laws to protect victims of online harassment, and by educating students about the issue many bystanders might speak out against bullies. I was sad to read that many students have to resort to home school, just to have some peace. I am not a big supporter of home schooling kids but I can see how some families might not have any more options. Kids might become stronger and more resilient but they shouldn’t have to deal with bullying. Schools need to be a safe place for kids in order for a productive learning environment.

Thomas, Evany.Techno Prisoners: Musing on the New Bullying Paradigm. Published in April 2007

http://www.edutopia.org/techno-prisoners

Cyber Bullying PSA Video

The video was made by a group of high school students about cyberbullying. It explains what exactly cyberbullying is and shows an example of it. The video goes into detail about how bullying can effect victims, and provided many statistics about the issue. It also explained what students can do if they are being harassed online. I think that this video was effective informing about the topic. This would be a great video to show a class of middle or high school students when addressing cyberbullying in school.

"Cyber Bullying PSA Video." TeacherTube Video, Created April 2008, Retrieved Oct. 9, 2010.

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=26038&title=Cyber_Bullying_PSA_video