Journal # 5

Cyberbullying: How to Fight the New Bullies
Rosalind Wiseman

In this article, Wiseman describes how the Internet has become the new arena used by bullies to intimidate and threaten their victims. Cyberbullies use different tools such as instant messages, e-mails, pictures or text messages put their cruel comment about some online. Wiseman comments that the anonymity that the Internet provides gives a perfect cover for those who bully their victims. But Wiseman states that new legislation is in the works that would address this problem. In addition, the Supreme Court will soon hear a case that would decide if public school officials have the right to monitor student's speech even if they are not on school grounds if it is believed that students have posted threat. In addition, Wiseman also states statistics related to cyberbulling and tips that parents can use to prevent it.

1. What can I do to teach my students about Cyberbullying?
I would gather information about the subject and then presented to my students. This would include handouts that students could share with their parents to bring them up on what cyberbullying is and strategies on how to prevent it from happening. In addition, I would give my students resources on where to go for help if they are the victims of cyberbullying or are themselves the aggressors. Finally, I would create an environment where bullying of any form is strictly prohibited and where students are comfortable coming to me for help.

2. What should schools do regarding the issue of cyberbullying?
I think that schools could address the issue by holding an assembly that not only discussed the issue of cyberbullying but bullying in general. This is an issue that affects everyone. Most often students do not report that they are being bullied because they feel that if they do, the bully will become more aggressive or that they will be viewed as being weak. If schools begin to strictly enforce the policies in the books, students would be more likely to report incidents. This means that any use of a derogatory comment, threat or use of force would be considered a break of the rules. I have often been in schools where I have heard derogatory comments ignored by teachers that are standing a few feet away. In addition, schools need to communicate with parents more about any kind of bullying, especially as Wiseman reported that 15% of parents do not know what cyberbullying is.