Author: Mark Franek Presentation by: Jennifer Pokrinchak

 The “misuse” of technology has caught many of us off guard.  It’s hard enough to keep track of students while they’re in school, but now school administrators and teachers are being asked to oversee students in cyberspace, which anyone can access just about anywhere, at anytime, day or night.

 Anyone who repeatedly misuses technology to harass, intimidate, bully, or terrorize another person. How?  Hurtful rumors  s  Text messages  Web site posts (Can be done anonymously or disguised as someone else)

 Technology has brought our world together, but the reflection time between planning a silly prank (or serious act) and actually committing the deed has been all but erased.  The speed of technology has made it nearly impossible to contain or take back a regrettable action

 School administrators, business leaders in technology-based companies, and parents need to educate themselves and take responsibility for getting this problem of cyberbullying under control.  These adults need to be the sheriffs in the new Wild West.

1. Address the issue of cyberbullying head-on (include consequences in handbook) 2. Make students aware that not all technology is as anonymous as they may think (incorporate technology instructors) and that what happens in cyberspace is not fleeting. 3. Get the word out to students about reporting cyberbullying.

Parents have the most power and influence on over their children; often those who set set down strict guidelines when giving their child a BB gun will go silent when unveiling a new computer. 1. Keep computers in the family room. 2. Talk to children about the do’s and don’ts of each new piece of technology in the house (including phones). 3. Start early! 4. Children should be aware that they can lose their online privileges at the first sign of misuse.  Students often separate their “real life” with their “online life.” Parents should explain that these are one in the same.

 Although the digital age comes with many positives, it also creates opportunities for immature and impulsive decisions that cause great harm.  If we open the world of technology to our students, we need to protect them from the dangers that roam through the new Wild West.

 Clinton, W.J. (1996, Jan.23). State of the Union Address. Available: tml. tml  National Center for Education Statistics. (2002). Internet access in U.S. public schools and classrooms: Washington DC: U.S. Department of Education.  Franek, M. (2003). Foiling Cyberbullies in the New Wild West. Educational Leadership. December 2005/January Vol. 63. No. 4