Comments on: Can a Law End Bullying?

By: Papillon

Papillon — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:09:27 +0000

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/emaf.nsf/comments?ReadForm&db=stltoday\news\stories.nsf&docid=127EAC5F6805F12A862576DF0012B9FA

Detroit has to cough up $800,000 for not stopping bullying. Infractions included a naked student unwantedly rubbing up against the plaintiff. How that is not sexual assault is beyond me. Yes, a little after the fact with this response.

Granted, not about cyber bullying, but about student harassment in general.

By: Papillon

Papillon — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:52:27 +0000

While I’m somewhat sympathetic to the poster, having a code of conduct for students is not a bad idea. Having electronic communication covered in that code of conduct is fine by me as well. There are loopholes, yes, but there are bad activities that would stop.

Thinking legally, it gives the parents the ability to say to the district, ‘My child is being harmed by this activity that is against your stated code of conduct. My child has the right to an education in a pro-learning environment. If you, the district, continue to let this activity continue without punishment, I recommend that you get out district’s checkbook.’

While the poster is correct that the district can’t monitor all communications, when communication is brought to their attention, they should look into it.

Should children be able to work it out themselves or just suck it up? Most, hopefully all, of the time. But there may times when such options are not available.

By: zapper

zapper — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:15:57 +0000

With all due respect, Educators are the last group in the world that I would want to make judgements about this subject. It is sad that we have arrived at this point. During my K-8 years – bullies ended up head down in a garbage can – might take 10 people to do it – but the job got done.