CHAPTER 10: PREVENTING CYBERBULLYING

Chapter ten definitely touched on something that is probably a huge concern for anyone who is a parent or a teacher/administrator of children. There have always been bullies, from the beginning of time. However, we live in a time where bullying doesn’t just happen on the playground or lunchroom; bullying can now diffuse into the classroom, can follow students home and can be acted out in the “cyber-playground”. Bullying has grown from someone pushing you around in the hall and possibly taking your lunch money into terrifying threats of violence; subtle, yet ongoing mental or emotional jabs and potentially severe emotional and social trauma.

In this chapter, the authors discuss ways to assess cyber-bullying as well as how to recognize it and educate others about it. As discussed in chapter nine, the reality of setting clear guidelines for computer/other technological device usage must be a priority. The importance of making use of monitoring and filtering software was discussed, which again would lend itself to the acceptable use and expectations set forth in contract language. The authors discuss utilizing older students as peer mentors, particularly if a younger student has been bullied. The authors stress the importance of educating parents about the possible ways that their child could be bullied as well as how to communicate with their children about cyber-bullying and the critical need for monitoring. They also discuss the students’ role in cyber-bullying and how to protect themselves.

This chapter was interesting and I think it is a topic definitely necessary when discussing technology in the classroom. Even though I don’t have children, I see the possibilities out there for children to make good use of technology; but I also see danger signs everywhere. I think that cyber-bullying in ways is worse than regular “old-fashioned” bullying. Of course no bullying is acceptable, but with cyber-bullying it just seems so permeating/pervasive and the fact that it can start so subtly, is just disturbing. Young people, especially pre-teens to teenagers are so filled with angst about their appearance and relationships, that the fact that they can use these means as a way to hurt each other and bring this hurt in front of a very public audience is just terrible to consider.