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RB students recently participated in a school wide extended class period designed to inform them about the dangers of the internet. This was a step in the right direction. They are all susceptible to virtual harassment whether we think so or not. While it is more likely that someone less popular would receive the harsh treatment, it can happen to anybody.
The sad reality is that it does happen to a lot of people, unknowingly at first. Several cases of Facebook harassment have already surfaced here at RB, and it is just not something you would like to see from a school expected to know better.
But remember that children can be crueler to each other than adults. There are no limitations on what can be put on one’s personal information on the Internet. Still, the great thing is that we are taking the initiative and helping others to better understand the preemptive measures that they can take to protect themselves from cyber bullying.
Facebook alone offers several different security features that can help stave off offenders. The fact that RB has taken notice and is now attempting to step in is very important in preventing future problems. I’m glad that students now have a safe haven to confide in if they do run into problems via the internet.
I don’t necessarily condone the administration butting in to our everyday social lives, but I do appreciate the fact that they’re willing to lecture us on safety and ways to prevent problems where they are needed to step in. It’s an unfortunate reality, but one that must be confronted, and now has been.
Megan Medders • May 10, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I disagree, I believe the extended period wasted a lot of people’s class time for no reason.
While I was sitting in the presentation many people around me were snickering and making fun of the videos they were showing. I think the situation isn’t as serious to students as it should be. The video choices were a bit unrealistic and corny. High school students aren’t going to focus on the actual issue if they aren’t stern and strict about it. I’m sure this wasn’t the school wide reaction to the whole presentation, but the classroom I was in seemed a lot more lighthearted about the subject. I thought it was a waste of my time, I’m not sure if a student has a facebook the know how to change the settings so no one can see anything they don’t want anyone to see.
I think if the school had better videos or different stories some students would have gotten the message of the problems with cyber bullying. I just don’t think RB students are taking cyber bullying seriously, and these videos didn’t help us take a step in warning kids of the problems and risks that go along with cyber bullying.
Stephanie Wolff • May 10, 2010 at 1:06 pm
The intentions of the numerous internet safety sessions and videos are good- but they may be falling short when it comes to actually impacting the students.
We’ve had a lot of little points that concern cyber safety, like the trio of videos back around February. These seem to be doing more help than harm. Many students feel that the administration is going too far into their lives outside of school- and adamant in their opinion that “it won’t happen to me”
I’ve heard outright snarky comments about the efforts of school officials regarding this problem. Though I don’t agree with the majority of these, it’s obvious that if schools and educational guidelines start getting mixed in with our Facebooks, there’s going to be some resistance- which could lead to kids engaging in further risky behavior in an attempt to point out how they have no intention to listen to any of the tips that we’ve been given.
RB hasn’t crossed any boundaries-yet. As with all high schools there’s the occasional cyber incident, but I don’t believe that problems have become climatic. Furthering educational effort will most likely just edge the situation along more. The recent cyber safety seminar probably had good effects, but we should leave it at that. Students have got the point, and there’s no need to increase efforts unless our internet situations worsen.