This week we dive into the important world of cyber bullying. Cyber harassment has been defined by Grand Valley State University (2018) as “communication in an online capacity through an electronic device or through social networking with a purpose to harass another, either through a physical threat to inflict injury or commit a crime against the person, or by conveying indecent and obscene material with the purpose to emotionally harm another.” Weather it is a one time harassment or ongoing bullying the pain that results from the rude or negative comments does not hurt any more or less. The sad part about this is that it is often not a stranger that is bullying or harassing; it’s typically someone you know or are in contact with.
Something I found shocking this week is that some states still do not have rules or regulations against cyber bullying and that some schools or businesses do not have thorough, thought out plans to prevent cyber bullying. We know that many students that are being bullied will not reach out to their families or an adult. We also know that if students have friends who stick up for other people, they are more likely to stick up for other people themselves. With this being known, it is important for teachers to promote this change in language and community as it pertains to social media. As Sarah Moscovici, a social psychologist says, “When there is consistency overtime, change can happen.” If teachers are consistently teaching students about the their rights and their responsibilities of being a good digital citizen, of providing a positive digital footprint, a supportive digital community and using digital media to encourage each other, students will catch on and we can create a change from the negative use of social media to the positive.
I also think about Kyler Murray as we have discussed this week in class. When he was younger he tweeted comments that I’m sure he later forgot about as to him they did not seem a big deal at the time. Later these tweets have resurfaced and he had to publicly apologize for his mistakes. Although the tweets have since been deleted, you can still find screen shots or articles explaining what the tweets said and these images and comments will forever be a part of his digital footprint/tattoo. His mistake will be with him forever. This week we learned about the sensitive subject of cyber bullying and the very dangerous effects they can have on people. It is our responsibility to teach our students about these ricks and their digital impact as technology continues to advance. Even if your school does not have policies in place, this is something that will continue to grow and advance and it is important for us to model and teach what it means to be a good digital citizen. Other stories of people who have been impacted by cyber bullying: ABCNews. (2015). High school student charged as adult in secting case. [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SENGlOR9tYo
Brewer, G. & Kerslake, J., (2015). Cyberbullying, self-esteem, empathy and loneliness. Computers in Human Behavior, 48, 255-260. GVSU. (2018). Digital workplace. Retrieved from: https://www.gvsu.edu/e-hr/cyber-bullying-129.htm Ruttle, C. (n.d.). Kyler murray secured the hisman trophy saturday night. Associated press. [Image]. TED. (2013). “To this day”.. for the bullied and beautiful | shane koyczan. [Video file]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa1iS1MqUy4 TED. (2015). The price of shame | monica Lewinsky. [Video file]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_8y0WLm78U
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|