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The Role of Schools in Addressing Cyberbullying

Hello everyone, let now have a look at the role of schools in cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying often occurs outside of school, but it also has significant implications for schools and their responsibilities. Schools face challenges in addressing cyberbullying, even when it occurs outside of school, because of the impact it can have on the school environment and the students involved.

Cyberbullying is a growing problem that has a serious impact on the mental health and school functioning of students. Schools recognize the issue, but struggle with their role and effectiveness in addressing it ( Vandebosch et al.,2014). Although cyberbullying frequently occurs outside of school, it affects the school environment, forcing schools to take action.

Legal Frameworks and Responsibility

Schools find themselves in a complex legal situation. On the one hand, students have the right to freedom of expression, but on the other hand, schools may intervene when cyberbullying endangers a safe learning environment or disrupts order. In addition, schools can be held legally responsible if they fail to respond adequately to situations that lead to a hostile environment ( Willard, 2007 ).

New legislation is forcing schools to take a tougher approach to cyberbullying, but it also brings challenges. Schools that take action could face legal claims for infringement of freedom of expression, while schools that do nothing risk liability for negligence (Fenn, 2013).

Current Approach and Need for Effective Strategies

Many schools see it as their duty to inform and support students in cyberbullying, even if it occurs outside of school. However, schools feel uncertain about their approach and need effective intervention programs ( Vandebosch et al., 2014 ). Teachers recognize cyberbullying as a problem, but often lack the right training to deal with it effectively ( Macaulay et al., 2018 ). In addition, it appears that many students are insufficiently informed about the legal aspects of cyberbullying, despite existing legislation and guidelines (Paul et al., 2012).

Recommendations for Schools

To address cyberbullying, schools can:

·        Introduce a clear policy and better monitoring of internet usage.

·        Train teachers to recognize and deal with cyberbullying.

·        Make students aware of the consequences and legal aspects.

·        Establish effective reporting and intervention systems.

·        Collaborate with parents and external parties for a broad approach.

A joint and well-thought-out policy is essential to effectively combat cyberbullying and ensure a safe learning environment ( Paul et al., 2012 ).

 

Bibliography:

Fenn, M. (2013). A web of liability: Does new cyberbullying legislation put public schools in a sticky situation? FLASH: The Fordham Law Archive of Scholarship and History. https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol81/iss5/17/

Macaulay, P. J., Betts, L. R., Stiller, J., & Kellezi, B. (2018). Perceptions and responses towards cyberbullying: A systematic review of teachers in the education system. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 43, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2018.08.004

Matthew Fenn, A Web of Liability: Does New Cyberbullying Legislation Put Public Schools in a Sticky Situation?, 81 Fordham L. Rev. 2729 (2013). Available at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol81/iss5/17

Paul, S., Smith, P. K., & Blumberg, H. H. (2012). Investigating legal aspects of cyberbullying. Dialnet. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=4650494

Vandebosch, H., Poels, K., Deboutte, G.  (2014). SCHOOLS AND CYBERBULLYING: PROBLEM PERCEPTION, CURRENT ACTIONS AND FUTURE NEEDS. International Journal of Cyber Society and Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.7903/ijcse.1149

Willard, N. E. (2007). The authority and responsibility of school officials in responding to cyberbullying. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(6), S64–S65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.08.013


Eldoune C.

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Location: Girona, Spain

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