Today, there are few limits to internet access. Nearly anything and everything can be found or done through digital media. One disturbing trend is cyberbullying. In "Growing Up Online" I felt the most horriffic video was about the 13 year old boy, Ryan Halligan, who committed suicide because he was bullied online. He was harrassed online. This is something that more and more people are becoming aware of, but this still occurs too much. It is not yet possible to prevent all forms of cyberbullying. Because Ryan was bullied online, he wanted to commit suicide. Sadly, he was able to find websites with 'how-to' information on committing suicide.
Some teens go online to better express themselves. Some teens go online to escape reality.
However, some teens have their troubles follow them, even to their computer or cell phone. They can't escape the cruel remarks made in peson or online. Cyberbullying can take place through e-mail, text messages, instant messages, or any other form of digital communication. At school, students are protected from bullies. Teachers are on the lookout for bullies, and virtually every form of web communication is blocked at school. However, when teens come home and are alone in their rooms, there is no one there to protect them. Thankfully, this is beginning to change.
After Ryan's suicide, Vermont (his home state) began to propose ideas for laws that could prohibit all forms of cyberbullying. These new laws would place the school system in the middle of an bullying incident that might occur away from school grounds. The passing of such laws would determine if students can be punished for communication that goes on outside of school. To some, this may be an invasion of privacy. I believe that one child's suicide is more than enough, and laws or rules should be set to prevent this from happening again in the future.
http://www.vineland.org/tech/fight_bullies.pdf
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First of all, "growing up online" was eye-opening at times, predictable at others and overall just not a compelling argument to me. I believe every child should feel safe and also, every parent should be able to exert their authority as parent to whatever degree necessary. I also was moved by the horrific stories of suicide, bullying, change in identity, superficiality, and health concerns (eating disorders).
ReplyDeleteHOWEVER, the only reason that cyber ANYTHING is a big deal is because it's new and at least for most parents because it's unknown. We could start placing internet laws on adolescents or increasing parental control or regulating activity online, but when it all boils down to it, it's true that teens are going to find an outlet to keep secret, and way to live the way they want. real life bullying (fist fights) still happen. sexual harassment in person still happens. We can't be protected from everything. Awareness is one thing but complete control or blocking is another. at the end of the day, they're right, we aren't victims, but more participants to what ever degree we wish. I know I'm careful about personal information and communicating online. I also don't let it consume my life. it's all a choice.
I believe, wholeheartedly, that harassment through internet and your phone is ridiculous. From experience, hate text messages can't be blocked. My sister went to our phone company to block someone's number and the only way to have it blocked was if she wanted to block 15 phone numbers. You can't just block one.
ReplyDeleteOn facebook and myspace, you can block people from sending you messages and comments. Also, most email accounts allow you to block other users.
There are ways to stop harassment for most venues but etiquette needs to be enforced. Communication through internet and your phone is a privilege that shouldn't be abused.
i dont know if its just me but i feel like the laws of common sense still apply in this age, even on the internet. rules that barney taught us like dont talk to strangers and dont give away your social security number to people offering u money for free. in an age when we grow up on the internet we will naturally learn to keep ourselves safe. there is a reason humanity has lasted as long as it has; we adapt to change very well. limiting this vital resource from kids could cause them to lag behind those who have free access to it. we could see the most informed and cultured generation of kids soon if we dont listen to this propaganda. i will give parents one thing though. kids should not watch porn. however i think hiding knowledge of any sort is detrimental. we should be cautious with how much we censor.
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