Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying
Karen Craig
EDU 533W Micaela Boesche


According to Kelley R. Taylor, “cyberbullying is the use of Internet technology to inflict emotional harm through repeated and deliberate harassment, threats, and intimidation.” I have not had experience with cyberbullying. I have seen what I would consider cyberbullying on a website here in Vancouver geared toward the wrestling community. Sadly, these were parents harassing wrestlers and coaches. As I learned from Joe Navarro’s Brochure Presentation, this would be considered cyber-harassment because of adult involvement.
I think a big problem in dealing with cyberbullies is being able to motivate the victims to come forward. They are afraid of retaliation, being embarrassed, and even being ashamed. Although I have not been a victim of cyberbullying, I remember being bullied in elementary school. There is no way I would have told a teacher. In my mind, it would have only gotten worse. So it needs to be caught early, before it escalates. Teach victims how to deal with it and avoid fueling the fire. I really like what Julie Norrander states in her power point presentation about the the 3 D’s: Don’t Respond, Don’t Interact, Don’t Engage.
Another problem schools face is legal issues. Kelley R. Taylor states; “…..the websites and emails that are involved are usually accessed and generated by students off-campus. In those instances, school officials are limited in what, if anything, they can do to punish such behavior.” The only way the school can get involved is when the abuse carries over to the school and causes a disturbance.
After reading Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior, I found myself agreeing more with Lynn Wietecha. She says that while it is reasonable for the school to provide as much information as possible to families to help bring awareness, and to monitor use of the home computer, “Schools have no control over what students do at home and on privately owned computers.” Wietecha adds that schools have so many other responsibilities that seem to grow in number with an “ever-shrinking budget”, can we realistically add “cyber patrol” to that list.
As far as tackling cyberbullying in my classroom, I will try to offer a safe opportunity for victims to come forward. I really liked Aika’s presentation in Dr. Lichau’s class, which had an example of a classroom mailbox where students could express their thoughts. Even if it is anonymous, it might help to tell someone. I could then discuss issues submitted (cyberbullying and other issues that may come up) with the whole class, perhaps we can come up with possible solutions together. Another idea could be having students sign contracts. This would be more effective as a school-wide program, with strength in numbers. It worked when I was in high school when administrators were trying to deal with drinking and smoking. Students surprisingly came together and I think the contracts really helped to curb some of the behavior. Suddenly, it wasn’t so cool anymore.

References
Willard, N. E., & Wietecha, L. (2007, March). Should Schools Regulate Offsite Online Behavior? Learning & Leading with Technology,
Taylor, Esq., K. R. (2008, May). Cyberbullying: Is There Anything Schools Can Do? Principal Leadership,