Journal #8 Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying? NETS-T:4,5

Bogacz, R., & Gordillo, M.G. (2011). Should Schools be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(6), 6-7

While technology has pushed us into a whole new era of many wonderful things, many believe it has become too much, too fast, and with good reason. With the freedom and comfort of using the internet behind closed doors, it opens many opportunities for individuals who are more than willing to abuse the power of the computer. Cyber bullying has become more prominent that ever in today’s society and the issues have moved from behind closed doors at home, into the school environment. In Renee Bogacz article demonstrates the two very different perspectives about schools and cyberbullying. Bogaz feels that schools should be held accountable for cyberbullying by their students. She says that administrators and teachers are responsible for educating themselves and students and parents about safe use of the internet, and cyberbullying, and the different ways they can reinforce each of these techniques. Miguel Gordillo had a very different opinion and states that society and those involved in the actual cyberbullying should be held completely accountable for cyberbullying, and the schools should only be responsible for what takes place on campus.

Question 1: Based on the viewpoints of each side of this article, who do you think should be held accountable?

While I do agree with Bogacz when it comes to better educating ourselves, our students, and their parents about cyberbullying, we cannot control what our students do outside of the classroom, therefore, there comes a time when the responsibility lies on those who commit the crime.

Question 2: How can parents help prevent their children from cyberbullying?

Having each student sign a contract that clearly states cyberbullying will not be tolerated in the classroom, or at home without severe punishment and having the parents support in it will help. Taking away privileges at home will quickly whip the students into shape.