This issue that intrigues me the most is how to harness, or if we should harness and censor, the power of Web 2.0. There continues to be a lot of debate, both for and against the use of sites such as Facebook and other popular social networking addresses.  Web 2.0 goes beyond just those sites, but because of their popularity and exposure, I have found a number of interesting articles and webpages that provide a lot of insight into Facebook and cyberbullying.  I have taken quotes from one particular article to get a more focused discussion on this issue.

Facebook:

“The site quickly grew, first to other universities and later to high schools. By last summer, it was used by more than 30,000 educational institutions in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking countries, with roughly eight million users.” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6639417.stm)

Positives:

“Although most people associate Facebook with social activities, the site can be very useful in mobilising interest around political and policy issues.

For example, six weeks ago, Amber MacArthur, a Canadian television reporter, launched a new group called Canadians for Net Neutrality. Today the group has more than 1,100 participants, sharing ideas and concerns about whether Canadian Internet service providers are treating content and applications in an equitable manner.” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6639417.stm)

I agree with the power of this medium when used positively and productively.  Being the Grad Sponsor this year and for the past 3, the council has found using Facebook a key way to help them organize events and to increase grad enthusiasm and spirit.  Students have been creating groups on Facebook in order to organize study sessions, club activities and general reminders.  However, like most things, put in the wrong hands with the wrong intensions, this tool can powerfully mobilize negative events as well.

Ban works: http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/contentbe/EPIC_shim.php?story=194268

Negatives:

“The recent backlash against Facebook has generally centred around two concerns - derogatory comments and workplace productivity - ironically missing the real sources of concern such as the privacy impact of posting deeply personal information.

Many Facebook users openly comment about issues of concern. That naturally includes students posting thoughts about fellow students and teachers or about supervisors at their part-time jobs.” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6639417.stm)

Students are now being taught in Planning classes and by their counselors about the negative effects pictures and comments on Facebook can have on their future.  Whether it is post-secondary admissions or prospective employers, students are being warned that if they post it, there is a way to see it. Students in elementary schools and in Grade 8 are given lessons on cyberbullying, however, these situations are still occurring.  It is not exclusive to Facebook as Youtube or just texting from a cell phone is contributing to this trend.  Teachers are trying to educate students, but unfortunately it doesn’t encourage all students to act responsibly.  Is it then the role of the school to eliminate that behaviour in the school?  Can it be eliminated?  In our school district, they have tried to block Facebook, however students quickly found a different way into the site.  Is it not the role of the teacher to ensure students stay on task and are on appropriate sites?  Is that expectation realistic?  In a class of 30, a teacher can only monitor so many computers at one time without creating a “big brother” environment.  There are programs that can “watch” which sites students are on, but once again, students know how to get around that as well.  Are we fighting a losing battle?  Whether students use these sites inappropriately at school or at home, they’re still doing so in spite of being “educated” otherwise.  How can we harness this?  How can we “educate” more effectively?

Ban questionable:

http://blog.mastermaq.ca/2007/5/4/why-the-facebook-ban-will-be-lifted-within-two-years/

To censor or to create a “teachable moment”?

“It is certainly appropriate to take action against cyber-bullying, however students exercising legitimate free speech should not be punished simply because the speech occurs in a semi-private online forum rather than in a semi-private discussion on school grounds out of earshot of school officials.

In fact, educators should seize these opportunities to teach students about both the benefits and drawbacks of social media, while encouraging them to use the tools in positive ways.”

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6639417.stm)

As the article suggests, it is once again on the educator to encourage positive use of such a medium.  I believe that parents fit into the “educator” role as much, if not more, than the teacher.  Freedom of speech has always been integral in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, however, it is often debated and at the center of misuse and abuse. 

Student avoids expulsion:

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2008/03/11/4970876-cp.html

Websites focusing on cyberbullying:

http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2008/04/cyberbullying-the-problem-and-kids-we-ignore-part-2/

http://www.bullying.org/public/frameset.cfm

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/12/us/12florida.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1214010422-rjXtVB/7Ou6qNXnreH9LSA

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/222482

My verdict?

I am still undecided with regards to this.  I am an advocate of utilizing technology and creating more diverse learning environments, however, I have first hand experienced the negative effects of Facebook in mobilizing a Grad prank.  I believe as educators, we need to put our heads together and have more discussions, but knee jerk reactions such as banning sites obviously isn’t the solution since the internet isn’t so simple.  Students have already shown us where there is a will, there is a way around bans.