Ohio vs. Cyberbullying
Another state has introduced state legislation to help deal with cyberbullying. While this is always a good measure to take (if worded and enforced properly), it’s really the parents that need to help stop the problem. I know I sound like a broken record, but the problem will never fix itself if the parents of the bullies are a) oblivious to their child’s online actions and b) simply don’t care.
With PC Pandora monitoring software on the computer, you will know how your child interacts with others. Everyone cares when their kid is a victim… it’s time we care when our child is a bully.
COLUMBUS -Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) today introduced Senate Bill 126 to address the problem of cyberbullying among Ohio’s school children.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists, children who suffer from cyberbullying have poor academic achievement, increased rates of depression and are eight times more likely to bring weapons to school. In addition, research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows the following:
Myspace has over 200 million accounts and adds approximately 500,000 new users each week. Facebook has 70 million users.
93% of American teenagers between 12 and 17 use the internet.
57% of online teens have created some kind of content online including video, photos, songs and blogs.
“The bottom line is our children should be protected from technology used to embarrass them,” said Senator Fedor, a former educator in the Toledo Public Schools.
Cyberbullying is defined as the repeated use of the internet, cell phones and other technology to harass, threaten, intimidate, spread rumors or create a hostile online environment. SB 126 will allow schools to discipline perpetrators who cyberbully at school sponsored events, as well as off school grounds, if the bullying will materially disrupt the educational environment.
The key provisions Senator Fedor included in SB 126 are:
Prohibits school administrators from knowingly failing to report to law enforcement menacing, stalking or telecommunications harassment that occurs on school grounds.
Requires Boards of Education to adopt a policy that prohibits bullying by electronic means. The policy must address acts that take place off school property.
Requires school districts to provide annual training on the district’s bullying policy for employees and volunteers.
Parents and guardians must be notified if the annual training is not completed.
“Schools need to be pro-active in educating students and parents about responsible use of technology at school,” added Senator Fedor.
