Journal 5

Cyberbullying: How to Fight the New Bullies, by Rosalind Wiseman

Cyberbullying is something that is unfortunately becoming more and more prevalent, as it's a great way to include the world in on their jokes. With the invention of myspace and other social networking sites, it's even easier, more public, and thus more humiliating. I have heard of numerous examples where people will leave comments or bulletins that are incredibly hurtful to individuals and aimed with the sole purpose of insult or humiliation. I have not heard of the instant messaging being used to any serious effect in my personal experience, but I have no doubt it does, as it's often easier to say things over the internet than face-to-face. Thus, it makes bullying easy. That accessibility is part of the problem, because anyone can do it, and the simplicity of a few words or a picture can have 1,000 implications on a child, or anyone for that matter, especially with a public perception and their own opinions and views of the situation. So, HOW DO WE MINIMIZE CYBERBULLYING? I think kids should be made concisous of the fact that if they have a problem with a student, online or off, that they get it adressed, especially if it starts affecting them personally and academically. Thus, I don't mean to advertise cyberbullying, but rather make sure kids know they have someone to talk to, and can get the problem solved before it becomes something more serious. That said WHAT IS A GOOD WAY TO RESTRICT ACCESS? Well, if the problem can be found to a specific student, the school can alert the parents and hopefully find a solution in that manner. I don't however, think schools should get involved in outside affairs, because that seperation between school and parent is important to many... even if not all parents do something to help their child's education. However, privacy is an issue, and one that can at this point only be asked to change, not forced.