Cyber-bullying seems to be getting more attention now that younger generations are being introduced to the Internet and social media. In reality, bullying has always existed but I feel that this problem is finally getting the attention it deserves. When I was younger, I don't remember seeing any of the anti-bullying ads that are on TV today, so I hope that the younger generations are hearing this message and understand that bullying won't make you popular or well liked. However, now that schools are taking a more direct approach by accepting a zero tolerance policy this brings an important question into the discussion. Should schools be allowed to police their students social media activity?
Truthfully, I don't really know how I feel about it. Sure it may stop the bullying but at what cost? With more research being done, we understand that those that bully others tend to have problems in their own life and use bullying as a method to feel better about their personal situations. We also know that students that tend to bully belong to the minority. The problem then, seems to rest on parenting and the fact that children and teens are not mature.
I think that schools should be allowed to monitor their student's online activity in school, but not outside of that. If the school suspects a student of bullying, I believe that the student's parents should be addressed about the issue first before any action should be taken. If the problem persists, then I think schools should be able to provide evidence of the bullying to the bully's parents as a final warning, however, they should also provide a counselor to the bully in the meantime. Finally, if there is no change in behavior then I think the school should be able to step in and make the call on whether or not the student should be expelled or suspended.
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