Cyber-Bullying: Should Schools Intervene?

One in five middle-school students have been affected by cyberbullying, according to a 2010 study by the Cyberbullying Research Center, but the question these days is whether or not school administrators should get involved.  Although 44 states have bullying laws, less than half of those offer advice on whether schools may get involved in cyberbullying cases.  Part of the problem, it seems, is that electronic communication often occurs outside of school hours.

Still, an education law scholar at Pepperdine University named Bernard James, says, “Educators are empowered to maintain safe schools. The timidity of educators in this context of emerging technology is working to the advantage of bullies.”

Cyberbullying can begin as early as fourth grade, according to The New York Times, and its impact on children's lives is becoming more and more apparent.  One eighth grade girl told reporters, “We had so many fights in seventh grade. None of them were face-to-face. We were too afraid. Besides, it’s easier to say  ‘sorry’ over a text.”

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