As the popularity of websites such as YouTube and MySpace continue to grow, there has been an increase in online pranking. We've all seen video parodies or photoshopped pictures of our teachers as we browse the internet. Although many of these pranks are simply meant to be funny, teachers are retaliating with civil law suits, suspensions, expulsions or even arrests. A National School Board's survey from 2006 reported that nearly 26 percent of teachers or principals have been targets of demeaning online ridicule. Some school districts such as one in Charlotte, N.C. have hired cyber crimes experts to crack down on students, and it seems that others may be following suit soon. Still many wonder if this is a violation of our First Amendment rights. Therefore, a new test may be on the horizon as to what constitutes online bullying and what can be restricted.
Although I understand that cyber bullying is a problem, I wonder what the test will restrict. Depending on the restrictions placed on what can be said online, people may have their speech severely limited. Also, if the government begins monitoring what is said online, I have to wonder what will be next.
How would you feel if you were expelled or arrested for this?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I would not feel like my rights are violated to the point where I would bring the case to court, but it is reasonable for teachers to feel offended because they too have feelings. I feel that if a student dislikes a teacher to the point where they post offensive material on webpages, they should resolve their conflict by choosing another alternative. It's not smart to display "funny" images of teachers on webpages in the first place. Teachers have a right to stand up for themselves in these types of situations. I'm not saying that I am siding with the teachers, rather students should be smarter when it comes to dealing with tough situations.
While student's opinions should not be ignored, I dont think it's right for the teachers to be blatantly subject to cyber bullying without being able to retaliate. I agree with Jon on the fact that students should find alternative means of voicing their opinions and resolve conflict in more dignified ways.
Governmental monitoring of the internet is a scary idea. Although government restrictions on online "pranks" would seem like an infringement upon our rights granted by the First Amendment...aren't these "pranks" a form of libel in some cases? I think this type of thing should be restricted since some students obviously aren't mature enough to use their freedom of speech intelligently..but getting arrested or expelled for some minor thing meant to be humorous seems extreme.
It makes sense to take some sort of action against the students, especially for the truly offensive material. However, I disagree with taking the students to court and arresting or expelling them. Something much less drastic, like a scolding or a demand that the videos be taken down, seems more reasonable. The government shouldn't have to step in for something as trivial as (what boils down to) simple teasing.
I think it is fair that the teachers are fighting back. How would you feel if someone posted false and demeaning information about you online? I would be pretty mad. It's only fair that teachers should be able to stop any false information going out about them.
Like Erika said this could be considered libel since it is false statements being used for malicious intent. How would you feel if people were going out of their way to publically embarass you an dspread false rumors about you. The whole goverment being able to crack down on these things, you have to remember that when you use a myspace or facebook or any of those, it is very easy to track you because you have to sign in.
Post a Comment