On one of my stops for the Press Democrat’s back to school coverage yesterday, I was at Corona Creek Elementary School in Petaluma where Principal Scott Mahoney spent time with students there going over rules, reminding students about certain ins and outs on campus and other refreshers.
One of the topics struck me.
He reminded students that taunting, teasing, threatening other students online or via electronic media – cyberbullying – is strictly prohibited.
The veteran Mahoney described it to the assembled fourth through sixth graders as anything on their computers (Facebook and MySpace in particular) or cell phones that makes a classmate “feel mad, feel bad…anything to make them feel like they don’t want to come to school the next day. That cannot happen.”
Cyberbullies “post things that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face and that’s just rude so please do not do it,” Mahoney said.
It becomes the school’s business when students talk about it, when it causes a stir or ignites the campus rumor mill, he said.
“That’s when we then can take over because you have disrupted school,” he said.
He encouraged all students to tell a parent, teacher or staff member if they feel like someone is being a cyberbully.
“Most of you have had no issue with it and never will,” he said. “We want you all to feel safe here all of the time and that includes your feelings.”
Mahoney said it’s a “whole new area” that schools are having to deal with.
Are you experiencing cyberbullying? In what form and at what age?
Deborah Barron
I think this is a critical topic that need attention and has long been under reported by the media – I am glad a diligent reporter is looking into this.
August 18th, 2010 1:34 pm
Shelly May
I think it is great that Principal Mahoney addressed this topic with the students. Bullying — in any form — is harmful, and schools need to take a stand against it. Thank you for addressing this important issue.
August 18th, 2010 4:52 pm
Linda Bradbrook
Further discussion & action on this subject could be the education of parents on what to look for and how to monitor their child’s online accounts to help prevent cyber-bullying.
This past month I have been talking with my sister-in-law who has a 15 year old son. He has his own phone and joined Face book originally to keep in touch with his church youth group. I am on Face book and I am one of his friends.
Two months ago I noticed what I perceived to be cyber-bullying. I told his mother about it and she was clueless on what to do. As a parent where do you go to learn what you need to do about your child’s online friends? She had chosen not to be part of social networking sites because she perceived them to be time wasters. She also, at one point, felt it was wrong to spy on her son’s online friends. I told her I felt it was her parental duty to know what is happening and protect her son by controlling his exposure to cyber-bullying.
Now she knows she has a need and does not know where to turn. His cell phone was fairly easy. She went to her provider and they taught her how to set up his phone so she could monitor who calls and when. My suggestion for computer information was to go to her school counselor and ask his advice.
Does anybody else out there have advice for parents in this situation? Taking away their computer is not an adequate option. Cyber space is here to stay. As parents we need to educate ourselves on how to give guidance to our children. The big question is HOW!
August 20th, 2010 7:47 am
Judge Tom
After 23 years in juvenile court, I’ve learned that teens often learn from the experiences of their peers. Consequently, “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” [January, 2010] presents real cases of teens in trouble regarding their online and cell-phone activities. Endorsed by Dr. Phil on April 8, 2010 ["Bullied to Death" show] TCI asks the reader to consider the unintended consequences of cruel emails, blogs, posts, text messages, Facebook and YouTube entries and more. The bottom line for our youth is to “Think B4 U Click.” Thanks for looking at “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” at http://www.freespirit.com [publisher] or on http://www.askthejudge.info [a free, interactive teen-law website.
Regards, Judge Tom.
August 22nd, 2010 3:59 pm
Tackling Bullies – Wine Country Mom - Santa Rosa Mom - Santa Rosa, CA - Archive
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