Should Schools Intervene in Facebook Fights?

Bullying isn't just for playgrounds anymore. Bullies reach their targets through cell phones and social media, too, which has forced schools, such as the Pennsbury School District, to similarly broaden their definition.

According to the Pennsbury Code of Conduct, Section VII, “’Bullying’ shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts:

• directed at another student or students,
• which occurs in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at an activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school or on the way to or from any school or any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school;
• that is severe, persistent or pervasive."

Sites such as Facebook are an easy means for students, and parents, to take this form of bullying to a new level. Pennsbury School District does have programs in place, and is taking an active interest in the topic.

“Pennsbury maintains on-going programs co-facilitated with Bucks County Peace Center, the Anti-Defamation League (“No Place for Hate”), and other local and national organizations that work with parents and students across all schools,” said Ann Langtry, Coordinator of Communications for Pennsbury School District. “We also invite special guest speakers on the topic of bullying-prevention and cyber-bullying prevention, offering evening programs especially for parents, as well as special assemblies targeted to student audiences.” 

When does bullying go from a school problem to a legal problem? What is the parents' responsibility? Leave a comment.

These programs are in line with programs schools have developed nationwide to confront this issue, and the target is often middle school.

“This year, at all three Pennsbury Middle Schools, a research-based Health program titled, Life Skills Training, will be launched in the 6th grades,” Langtry said. “Grades 7-8 will phase in the following years. Among other things, this research-based program is proven to instill increased pro-social skills and violence prevention skills.”

When should schools go beyond teaching and actually intervene in cyber bullying cases? Is it even the school's responsibility? Take our poll.