Bogacz, R., & Gomez Gordillo, M. (2011). Point/counterpoint: should schools be held responsible for cyberbullying?. Learning and Leading, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx
This point/counterpoint article does not present two polar opposite views of cyberbullying. The cyberbullying views from Renee Bogacz and Miguel Gomez Gordillo are more aligned than I expected. The underlying point Bogacz and Gordillo both make is the importance of school administration, teachers, parents, and students to work together against cyberbullying. However, I agree more with the points Bogacz makes with regard to schools taking a active role in the fight against cyberbullying. Gordillo's perspective is unsettling in that he believes it is okay for schools to play a passive role in the arena of cyberbullying. I agree with his ideals that all families should love and care for their children from birth, and spend most of their time together. But those are the ideals. Realistically, we live in a broken society and many children grow up in dysfunctional families where, unfortunately, love doesn't abound and one or both parents are not always present, loving, and/or supportive. I would like to ask Mr. Gordillo the following questions: Aren't we, as a society, and especially as a school community, ideally supposed to be inclusive and responsible for the children in our care? If you witnessed a student on the school playground bullying another student would you turn your back on the situation? No, of course not! You would immediately become involved and responsible for the quickest resolve possible. In addition, you would feel responsible for preventing any further bullying from occuring. Cyberbullying is no different than in-person bullying. Activism and accepting responsibility is much more effective than passivism and turning away from responsibility.
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