Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is defined as "an aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions; involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time; involves an imbalance of power and strength." (Boyd) Danah Boyd's article co-authored with Alice Marwick stated that "adult rhetoric is going in the wrong direction and failing to realize why it is counterproductive." I agree with this statement. I was bullied when I was a kid and any time I told an adult about it, one believed me and thought we were "playing games" when it was serious business. Luckily, the bullying ended for me but I never forgot that adults never tried to help me, even when I asked. I can't imagine what it could have been like for kids like Jamie Rodemeyer who were tormented because they were different and couldn't see a way out of the torment and bullying. As a librarian, I want to be able to be able to educate students about internet safety and preventing cyberbullying. For example, I want to explain to students how to avoid cyberbullies by blocking them and their hurtful content. I want students to know how to document the bullying so that their oppressors will be held accountable. Schools should have support networks to let these victims know that they are capable of overcoming the bullying. Teachers (library teachers included) need to empower students who are being bullied so they don't feel defeated emotionally, mentally, etc. Students should have a place to go when they are feeling bullied and can seek help. Kids like Jamie should not have to suffer in silence.
There are many educational resources out there about cyberbullying.
Cyber Smart Curriculum
Curriculum Connection Cyberbullying
Videos on Cyberbullying and More (One of my colleagues-Julianne-suggested this site to me recently.)
More Cyberbullying Videos

Boyd, D., & Marwick, A. (2011). Why Cyberbullying Rhetoric Misses the Mark: Bullying as True Drama.The New York Times, . Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/opinion/why-cyberbullying-rhetoric-misses-the-mark.html?_r=2