On Bullying: When Should Schools Step In?

A recent article in the New York Times addresses the concerns of parents and educators regarding the social networking movement and how it impacts bullying. The article specifically highlights students at a New Jersey middle school who have found it easier to target their peers through text messaging, Facebook, and slanderous YouTube videos. These outlets eliminate face-to-face confrontations. Parents have started taking this issue to school authorities, yet the question still lingers as to whether or not school systems should get involved in the personal qualms of students. And if so, when do they step in?

This sheds light on the potential downsides of new technology as it relates to social interaction. Is it the educators’place to punish students for the negative consequences social networking breeds? Or should we step back and let our kids figure out how to deal with bullying on their own? You can read the original article here.