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Technology provides a forum to get things started or to stir things up. It also allows others to get involved in issues that do not involve them and, in turn, contributes to something known as "taking sides. It is also available 24/7; whether one types posts or reads others posts. This makes it is easy to keep the drama going.
ReplyDeleteIt is much easier for conflicts to get started because even if girls don't have classes together during the day & see each other face to face, they can text each other or send a message on Facebook. This can start something, which may not even have anything to do with school, but they can end up in trouble at school, if one of them decides to fight about it.
ReplyDeleteI know that technology and cyberbullying are very real issues today. Therefore, I know I sound naive when I say this but I haven't heard about much drama with girls at my school related to technology. I know that many of them have cell phones, I-pod touches and Facebook accounts but I haven't had any students come to me yet with friendship problems where they have ever mentioned someone texting or posting or using any other kind of technology in the situation. I do realize that it is just a matter of time because children are being given access to all types of technology without adult supervision at increasingly younger ages and they don't have the understanding and maturity to handle it.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine that it is happening but it hasn't gotten "bad enough" for a parent to come to school regarding another child's Facebook post(s).
DeleteI would imagine that people are making posts on Facebook that is creating or adding to the girl drama. It probably has not gotten bad enough yet for a parent to come to school regarding another child's Facebook postings.
DeleteStudents use technology to make comments or start rumors about others that they wouldn't typically say to someones face. They feel "protected" by thier computer screen or cell phone. This has created a lot of drama that some say that they didn't really mean to begin with they just wanted to put the attention on someone before someone started on them.
ReplyDeleteStudents, girls especially, seem to enjoy the "power" they feel as they bully each other through texting. These girls want to be in control of the situations and friendships, so they will use texting to add another layer of control and intimidation. Because it is not done face to face, they often feel little or no remorse for their actions.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is the difference between a few years ago and today. Teenagers do not think before they text or post to social media. Once it has been posted electronically, they have no control over where it goes. They are empowered to express themselves without restraint, because posting electronically gives them the freedom to do so without confronting anyone personally.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that we didn't have cell phones when I was in high school. I can't fathom being connected to my social life at all times. Although teenagers to have the option of the “off” button, they are at a stage in their life where they are constantly assessing and monitoring their relationships. Being out of the loop would be seen as a strike against them so it’s all too important to them to be updated at all times (little do they realize how much stress they put themselves under). I would be curious to see if a “technology etiquette” class would lessen some of the drama caused by technology. If students used punctuation perhaps there wouldn’t be as many misunderstandings due to the lack of intonation.
ReplyDeleteTechnology for the most part has made life easier in many areas. However, the earlier students have access to cell phones without supervision the earlier they are to be subject to bullying. I have seen first hand the damage it has on students self esteem. I believe the one who is bullying feels a sense of strength and power because they are not facing the person who they are attacking. Unfortunately when adults become aware the damage has been done. I worked with a group of middle school girls at church. Each of them share horror stories of how students they know are being bullied and made fun of on Facebook. I believe the only way to put a stop to cyber bullying is teaching these kids tools to safe guard themselves. I also believe parents need training to be able to help protect their children. Just the other day a mom came to see me about her fourth grade girl. She had copied some inbox messages from another student in her childs room. He was angry with her because she would not be his boyfriend so be began to send her threatening messages. Who would have ever thought fourth graders would have problems with this???? I agree with you Emily. I am so glad that we did not have to deal with technology such as cell phones when I was in school. It gives to much power to those who want to cause harm to others.
ReplyDeleteThe internet, cell phones, and other forms of technology play a huge role in the way girls have conflicts with each other. Twitter, facebook, myspace, google, text messaging, email, blogs, etc. are all outlets where girls can engage in bullying/fighting. Now, not only can you say something negative about another girl, but you can say it on her “wall” and post a picture with it. With all of the positive impacts that technology could have, it is a shame to see it abused that way that it is.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is going to make it difficult to control what is going on in the school. There is so much more contact through easy access. I think it will continue to cause conflict. Right now in elementary we can still talk about how the neighborhood conflict will not continue at school, but I think technology brings so many others into play by telling everyone quickly about issues and talking about others - it takes no effort to do it through email, text etc. Technology will also affect how we interact with others, it is already hurting the social skills of children.
ReplyDelete