Do you think that bullying, to include cyber bullying is an issue in our schools? Are you aware of a growing amount of children who have been victims of bullying and cyber bullying nation wide? Do you believe that although bullying and cyber bullying occurs in other parts in the nation, it would never occur here? To greatly reduce cyber bullying which has been conclusively linked to the death of their victims, would you be in favor of banning cell phones from our schools to protect children from this danger?
Bullying
- Thread starter royhobie
- Start date
Really not trying to be rude but what does cell phones in school have to do with either bullying or cyber bullying? Kids (although we know they do) arent even supposed to have their cell phones on during class time. What problem would this solve? And my next question is should computers be banned too? I know the schools block social networking sites but the kids find ways around this. I am aware of how bad each are and not just nationally, locally too. So these are just some questions as to what your getting at. Again not being rude or mean although it may sound that way, so sorry in advance if it does
twinoaks207
Having Fun!
Part of the problem is that we are not teaching appropriate use of new media. It is difficult to show students how to appropriately use social media when it is banned in schools. Banning something only causes the children to want to do it more and they are doing it without benefit of instruction on how to do it properly. How do they know how to set up privacy options, how to make decisions about "friending" people, about what constitutes an appropriate post and what is definitely TMI? I'm sorry but I don't happen to believe that most parents are teaching the kids this at home. Note that I said "most". There are some who know all about this social networking thing and how it works and who routinely sit down with their kids and discuss topics like this. Unfortunately, there are many more who are not and the kids are fumbling through on their own.
Banning things is not the answer! Intelligent discussion, parental support/supervision, and proper education go a long way!
Banning things is not the answer! Intelligent discussion, parental support/supervision, and proper education go a long way!
TurboK9
New Member
I'm in favor of punching bullies in the nose
Of course these days when a kid knocks ya down and steals your lunch money you have to be a snitch, which most kids don't want to be. You can't stand up for yourself or others without risking suspension / expulsion. Ridiculous... And we wonder why bullying is becoming prevalent again. We render our children defenseless then wonder why they get victimized.
Severa
Common sense ain't common
Found this on the St Mary's Public Schools website:
F.O.C.U.S on Cyber Use and Safety Communication Presentation (PDF file)
On Thursday, May 27, 2010, 6:00 p.m., in the media center of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, the Benjamin Banneker Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and St. Mary’s County Public Schools will host a Focus On Cyber Use and Safety (F.O.C.U.S) Community Presentation for interested parents and community members. The presentation will provide community-based education on cyber safety and cyber bullying, and will reinforce the importance of St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ F.O.C.U.S. initiative.
May 24 through May 28, 2010, has been declared Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in Maryland by the First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’ Malley, and the State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Grasmick.
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I work as a substitute teacher at Esperanza Middle School. They made the announcement about next week's Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week just a few days ago. They plan on talking with students all week about it. Given some of the things I've seen in just the few weeks that I've been substitute teaching, I think it's a great idea. I myself have not seen much in the way of cyber bullying at school (they've got the networks locked down pretty tight and if a kid does manage to get around the filters to something inappropriate, punishment is handed out swiftly) but I myself have witnessed a few cases of bullying where I've had to intervene.
I'm sure there's probably still cyber bullying at school even if I don't see it. Just because they're not SUPPOSED to have cell phones on during class doesn't mean that kids aren't still sneaking a few text messages back and forth or posting things on Facebook/Myspace. Of course there's still bullying, it's been that way even when I was in school, we just didn't have Internet and cell phones to make things instant. Is it still an issue? I would say yes. And I would believe it's growing because there are more avenues to bullying thanks to cell phones and the Internet.
We have two sons, ages 10 and 13. We have two desktop computers in our living room plus a netbook, we always monitor what they're doing online, and neither child has anything as far as Facebook or Myspace. We've talked with both kids about what is appropriate and inappropriate and not to give out personal information. Twinoaks, you are right, it is unfortunate that not all parents are as proactive about being involved in their childrens' lives and teaching them the right way to act on the Internet.
F.O.C.U.S on Cyber Use and Safety Communication Presentation (PDF file)
On Thursday, May 27, 2010, 6:00 p.m., in the media center of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, the Benjamin Banneker Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and St. Mary’s County Public Schools will host a Focus On Cyber Use and Safety (F.O.C.U.S) Community Presentation for interested parents and community members. The presentation will provide community-based education on cyber safety and cyber bullying, and will reinforce the importance of St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ F.O.C.U.S. initiative.
May 24 through May 28, 2010, has been declared Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in Maryland by the First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’ Malley, and the State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Grasmick.
----------------------------
I work as a substitute teacher at Esperanza Middle School. They made the announcement about next week's Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week just a few days ago. They plan on talking with students all week about it. Given some of the things I've seen in just the few weeks that I've been substitute teaching, I think it's a great idea. I myself have not seen much in the way of cyber bullying at school (they've got the networks locked down pretty tight and if a kid does manage to get around the filters to something inappropriate, punishment is handed out swiftly) but I myself have witnessed a few cases of bullying where I've had to intervene.
I'm sure there's probably still cyber bullying at school even if I don't see it. Just because they're not SUPPOSED to have cell phones on during class doesn't mean that kids aren't still sneaking a few text messages back and forth or posting things on Facebook/Myspace. Of course there's still bullying, it's been that way even when I was in school, we just didn't have Internet and cell phones to make things instant. Is it still an issue? I would say yes. And I would believe it's growing because there are more avenues to bullying thanks to cell phones and the Internet.
We have two sons, ages 10 and 13. We have two desktop computers in our living room plus a netbook, we always monitor what they're doing online, and neither child has anything as far as Facebook or Myspace. We've talked with both kids about what is appropriate and inappropriate and not to give out personal information. Twinoaks, you are right, it is unfortunate that not all parents are as proactive about being involved in their childrens' lives and teaching them the right way to act on the Internet.
Cowgirl
Well-Known Member
I don't see what the point of teaching children appropriate use of social media stuff at school. If the sites were educational, then maybe, but the sites have nothing to do with the kids' education. I think those sites should be banned from school, and any kid caught on them while at school should be punished.
It's up to the *parents* to teach responsible use of the internet and social networking sites. It's not the school's job.
kwillia
n/a
No.
Nope.
Hell no.
The answer isn't in banning cell phone usage during school hours. That would accomplish absolutely nothing considering the internet and cellphones will remain full speed ahead for the remaining 18 hours of the day and 24 hours per day Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
I'm getting sick and tired of people lobbying to throw new rules and laws about as if that will fix things. There are already rules and laws in place that allow authorities to protect our children. They just need to start enforcing them. Push for that, people...push for that.
kwillia
n/a
You are missing the point. Banning cell phones from school property is not going to do a thing against bullying of any kind. Bullies are going to bully whenever, however, doing whatever they continue to get away with... It is no different from "banning guns" and ending up with the law/rule abidding citizens being the only ones unarmed. The teen trapped in a precarious position WITHOUT his/her cell phone is going to be the one affected by a total ban. Period.
Interesting comments from everybody. Thank you for all of your responses. Cyber bullying, which is the use of cell phones or electronic media is a growing problem nation wide. Our local counties are not an exception. Hopefully folks are aware that there are cases of cell phones being used to plan, organize and commit cyber attacks on children. This is one form of cyber bullying.
Baja28
Obama destroyed America
I got the point. I was offering my opinion on cell phones in school because Severa says she works at a middle school where the kids have cell phones.
twinoaks207
Having Fun!
Yes, cell phones can be used for cyber-bullying. Computers can be used for bullying. Mouths and fists can be used for bullying. Should we also ban computers, mouths and fists? (might be a little bit hard to do that last two!)
People who are quick to call for the banning if inanimate objects or tools are not thinking things through. It is not the object that is causing the problem. It is the behavior. We need to work to change the behavior. This starts with parents/family and home. Failing that, it ends up being the problem of the schools simply and solely because that is one place where children are congregated together for 6 or so hours at a stretch Monday through Friday during the school year. Do I think it is appropriate that these kinds of tasks get passed along to the schools? NO, but it is what it is. Our children need to learn appropriate behavior somewhere if they are to become happy, productive adults.
Cowgirl, as far as your comments go about it not being the school's place to teach about social networking sites as they have nothing to do with education, I respectfully beg to differ. These days, employers are making use of social networking sites, whether it's to check out a job applicant or to put one up as PR for their business. Social networking is now a part of life and given it's current popularity, it doesn't seem like it is going to fade away into nothingness any time soon. That said, we need to treat it like the tool that it is and teach appropriate use, just like we teach kids how to navigate the internet, how to turn on and operate a computer, how to use a calculator, how to use a checkbook (electronic banking), how to file a tax return, and even, how to drive a car. It is becoming, like many other aspects of technology, a life skill.
Many school districts, St. Mary's/Calvert/Prince George's, etc. are giving workshops to parents to discuss these kinds of technology. In my opinion, it's too little, too late. The kids, sad to say, are way ahead of the adults in 95% of the cases these days and the knowledge gap is widening. In educational circles, it's regarding as the "digital divide". We need to be working on closing the gap, not widening by resorting to futile idiotic attempts to just ban the technology outright.
I'm really surprised that people haven't tried to ban motorcycles and cars yet because gosh knows, enough people get killed using them!
We need to start using our brains and focus more on the "why" button and less on the "NO!" button. "Why" will enable us to make a positive difference in the outcome. "NO!" will not.
libertytyranny
Dream Stealer
I hate it when people make a bigger deal about things than is really needed. Children have been dealing with bullying from the beginning of time. I bet cavemen children bullyed other cavemen children when they held their club the wrong way or something. The difference now is children are sooo incredibly handicapped by their parents that they don't feel they can stand up for themselves... punch someone in the nose now if they are making fun of you and you are arressted, labeled a criminal, sent to special schools all kinds of stuff. The only thing they have is sending nasty messages and pics around to everyone. Kids get over bullying..in fact having to deal with difficult kids can really prepare you for dealing with the jerk-off difficult adults you will surely encounter in the world. the average kid, in the average school is not going to deal with some of the horror stories that you hear on the news. Banning phones and such isn't gonna do a damn thing about bullying. I can promise you that. children and teens lack foresight, that is their biggest donwfall they live in the moment. So they don't realize that naked pic they send can be in someones hands in 2 sec..or that if they send that nasty message around then the other person will likely send one about them.
One good thing about kids/teens is that they are incredibly adaptable. Almost all manage to come out of school just fine. So let your kids know..that nothing good comes from drama..that in a few years no one will care what your clothes look like, if they take a pic make sure its one they wouldn't care if you saw, that the consequences outweigh the momentary pleasure of making a jerk feel bad....and they will be just fine.
One good thing about kids/teens is that they are incredibly adaptable. Almost all manage to come out of school just fine. So let your kids know..that nothing good comes from drama..that in a few years no one will care what your clothes look like, if they take a pic make sure its one they wouldn't care if you saw, that the consequences outweigh the momentary pleasure of making a jerk feel bad....and they will be just fine.
twinoaks207
Having Fun!
TurboK9
New Member
I love you.
Excellent post. I am actually teaching my kids to punch bullies in the nose...
Last week my oldest (8) came home w/ a note from school... he had struck another child.
"What happened?"
"He was picking on one of the girls."
"Did he hit her?"
"No... But he pushed her. That's when I smacked him in the head."
"Why didn't you get a teacher?"
"Cuz she's the prettiest girl in my class, dad!"
That's my boy!!
Funny the selective vision of the 3rd grade teacher that witnessed this. They saw nothing wrong apparently, with a 3rd grade boy pushing a 2nd grade girl around. But as soon as my son stood up...
THAT is what is wrong when it comes to bullying.
libertytyranny
Dream Stealer
I love you.
Excellent post. I am actually teaching my kids to punch bullies in the nose...
Last week my oldest (8) came home w/ a note from school... he had struck another child.
"What happened?"
"He was picking on one of the girls."
"Did he hit her?"
"No... But he pushed her. That's when I smacked him in the head."
"Why didn't you get a teacher?"
"Cuz she's the prettiest girl in my class, dad!"
That's my boy!!
Funny the selective vision of the 3rd grade teacher that witnessed this. They saw nothing wrong apparently, with a 3rd grade boy pushing a 2nd grade girl around. But as soon as my son stood up...
THAT is what is wrong when it comes to bullying.
haha cute! I guess that's one of the toughies in parenting..to balance standing up for yourself and others with following the rules, which is important too.
Without getting in to the details, which I could, the State and some individual Counties are looking in to "why". Thank you, and everyone else for their opinions. All good and valued information from all of you. In brief, the 2007 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) surveyed 1528 students in grades 9 through 12 in randomly selected Maryland public high schools. The survey revealed that over one-forth (25.7%) of Maryland's high school students had been harassed or bullied on school property during the past 12 months of the survey's admininstration. A similar amount of students (28.7%) reported receiving verbal slurs due to weight, size or physical appearance. In 2007 a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported 32% of students 12-18 reported having been bullied at school during the school year. Of those, 63% said that the bullying had happened once or twice during that period. Cyber bullying is an interesting new, but deadly element that school systems nation wide are attempting to address. Whether you are for, or against cell phones and other electronic media technology in school, the use of cyber technology to commit crime, to include cyber bullying is real. Expect changes to policies. It will occur. "Children" have been know to die as a direct result of cyber bullying. In some of the more severe cases, the FBI has been involved. Not to mention parents being held accountable with civil action in the courts. The above mentioned stats are similar for the next two years. While Wicomico County rates the highest out of all of Maryland, nearby Calvert is very close (within 5) for the 2008 to 2009 stats. Bullying has existed since the one room school houses, which are now museums. However, bullying today is documented as becoming more frequent and more violent. Ages of most of the victims (and the offenders) of Maryland for bullying are typcially from 10 to 16.
I don't see how banning cellphones will accomplish anything, but I do agree that electronic media makes dumbchits more vicious than they would be in person. We see it on here all the time. Some big bad internet tough guy running his fingers - in real life he's probably some 120 lb nerd with a pocket protector who wouldn't dare mouth off to anyone. There's something about the threat of being punched in the head that makes folks temper their commentary. That threat is nonexistent on the internet.
As far as "it's the parents' job to teach their children to not bully others," I have one comment:
Yeah right. Where do you think the kids learn this crap?
As far as "it's the parents' job to teach their children to not bully others," I have one comment:
Yeah right. Where do you think the kids learn this crap?
TurboK9
New Member
I don't see how banning cellphones will accomplish anything, but I do agree that electronic media makes dumbchits more vicious than they would be in person. We see it on here all the time. Some big bad internet tough guy running his fingers - in real life he's probably some 120 lb nerd with a pocket protector who wouldn't dare mouth off to anyone. There's something about the threat of being punched in the head that makes folks temper their commentary. That threat is nonexistent on the internet.
As far as "it's the parents' job to teach their children to not bully others," I have one comment:
Yeah right. Where do you think the kids learn this crap?
My kids are being raised to defend themselves, and others. That's how I grew up. You didn't run from bullies, you knocked 'em on their ass. You never started trouble, but you damn sure didn't run from it or turn a blind eye either. I think that is a good way to live. And if the schools today don't like it, they can kiss my ass. I'll home school before I groom my children into habitual victims.
Maybe the problem is to stop encouraging kids to allow themselves to be victimized... for that is what we are really doing. Grooming our kids to be sheep.
RareBreed
Throwing the deuces
Both my kids have been bullied, mostly on the bus. Both stood up to the bully and showed him that they weren't victims. In both cases, the bully left them alone after that. I believe kids should be empowered to stand up for themselves and if they happen to get into trouble for doing so, so be it. I'd rather my kid get into trouble for standing up for himself than to be victimized by some punk on the bus.