We discussed a great deal of "Hot Topics" in education in this course, such as teen pregnancy, drug use, obesity, poverty, and violence. It is clear that adolescents are up against a lot of potential pitfalls during these formative years of their lives. One issue that has been gathering a great deal of media attention, and one that has captured my attention, is bullying. We discussed this in class on Thursday, and my heart just went out to these students who are made fun of and intimidated, often as teachers remain totally unaware.
Metro Nashville schools have recently implemented a new anti-bullying policy, so teachers will need to become better educated about what to keep an eye out for and how to respond.
In New York State last month, Governor Cuomo signed a law protecting students from Cyberbullying -- "Whether through messaging, emails or social networking sites, it’s difficult for victims to escape the 24/7 exposure to threats, bullying or discrimination."
http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/07092012cyberbullying
"Research has revealed a link between cyberbullying and low self‐esteem, family problems, academic problems, school violence, and delinquent behavior, as well as long-term consequences that include increased depression, substance use, aggressive impulses, and school truancy. Recent well-publicized cases involving cyberbullying – sometimes combined with other forms of bullying – have led to suicide. If left unattended, bullying can rapidly escalate into even more serious violence and abuse."
This more specific realm of bullying, cyberbullying, can be particularly insidious, because teachers often do not know what happens outside of school. If anything going on online or via phones does come to their attention, however, they will need to be prepared to address the problems.
Overall, I am glad that more measures are being taken to ensure peace of mind for students who do not deserve to be torn down and attacked, either in person or on the internet.
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