Cyberbullying

One definition of cyberbullying by Glenn Stutzky of Michigan State University is:
"Cyber bullying is the use of modern communication technologies to embarrass, humiliate, threaten, or intimidate an individual in the attempt to gain power and control over them" (Stutzky).

1. During my youth and still currently, I have come into little contact with cyberbullying, neither as perpetrator or victim. My stance has always been that if I didn't get along with someone, I don't feel any need to converse with them in any capacity, especially not through email or any other electronic medium. Don't get me wrong, I have had moments where I was unkind to others and regret my actions but these hurtful gestures were never in an online setting. The possible reasons for my lack of cyberbullying experience may be rooted in my lack of interest in social networking, that I'm not mean enough to be so hurtful to others (I hope this is the main reason), or I'm just too old to get down with hip technology.

2. Schools have major problems protecting students from bullying because it usually happens off campus and with a personal computer. It is very difficult to tell if a student is a victim of bullying if they keep it concealed. Some signs include switching classes (if possible) or skipping many days of school.
For schools to step in and try to regulate bullying is a slippery slope. I think that schools should look into allegations of cyberbullying then report the info to the police (if there is an online task force, that is who should handle such assignments. And if there isn't a division for Internet-related crimes, it should be created immediately).
Schools should be focused on student education, not enforcement of criminal behavior. By letting the police handle the matter the punishment and possibly reduce the rate of cyberbullying.

3. My classroom plan for cyberbullying will be both pre-emptive and reactionary. I will have strict rules in my classroom that prohibit bullying and hateful behavior in my class or outside of it towards any student in the school. I plan on having discussions or sessions where we look at the consequences of cyberbullying and ways to prevent and then stop the behavior. If pre-emptive measures are ineffective and cyberbullying ensues, I will report the guilty party to administration for corrective action.
I want my students to be knowledgeable about cyberbullying and the dangers of such action, because that is the best way to prevent it. Creating activities or assignments that allow students to empathize with a victim of cyberbullying and make potential bullies think twice before engaging in such hateful activities.

Resources:
Stutzky, G. CYBER BULLYING INFORMATION. Retrieved July 27, 2009, from Institute for Public Policy and Social Research Web site: http://www.ippsr.msu.edu/Documents/Forums/2006_Mar_CYBER_BULLYING_INFORMATION_2006%20--%20Provided%20by%20Mr.%20Glenn%20Stutzky.pdf