“Virtual Values, Real Victims” Jewish Week Article
Once again, the Jewish Week looks at issues related to teens and social networking. The article, “Virtual Values, Real Victims” by Liel Leibovitz, is featured on the front page of the Jewish Week, April 20, 2007 and focuses on ways students and administrators are addressing anti-social uses of social networking. The article highlights different models of handling this important topic, including legislation against cyberbullying, banning the use of social networking, student education, and parental awareness.
The article cites Ira Miller, dean of Ramaz Upper School, who advocates framing the issue as one of Jewish values and ethics, safety education, and life skills for the 21st century:
“It’s foolish to try and legislate our students’ use of technology…. All of these programs are part of their environment, and we have to train them and give them the ethical sensitivity on how best to use technology, the same way we’ll try to teach them sensitivity about lashon hara [gossip or harmful speech].”
Cyberbullying is a very real and serious issue and has been a recent topic of discussion in the blogosphere lately. Resources for students, educators and parents include the following:
Cyberbully and its affiliated site, the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use – publications, reports, and other resources that address issues of the safe and responsible use of the Internet.
Cyberbullying and Internet Safety – Wesley Fryer’s wiki of resources including a podcast, articles, and other resources. See also “Ideas for Addressing Cyberbullying,” Wesley Fryer’s podcast from his Speed of Creativity blog.
National Crime Prevention Council – resources and tips regarding Internet safety and dealing with cyberbullying.
Stop Cyberbullying - social network devoted to identifying resources and solutions to combat cyberbullying.
WiredSafety.org - resources for victims of online abuse, education and awareness regarding online safety and responsibility. See especially the StopCyberbullying site.
Also revisit the resources listed under the jlearn2.0 posting, Derech Eretz – Acceptable Use Policies
The Ad Council produced public service announcements regarding cyberbullying. The ads target 12 and 13 year olds (“tweens”) and are available from their site and on YouTube:
Cyberbullying – Talent Show
Cyberbullying – Kitchen
The “cyberbullying hurts” graphic at the top of this post is attributed to Scott McLeod; see his site for other related images that can be used to highlight this issue.