Now, what I am going to say about this topic is going to be biased on the count of, I have personally dealt with stuff like this before. I have been bullied and such before and I know it is not fun or enjoyable. Also, I understand the very developmental and difficult times in middle school but, from a personal side of the one being bullied, it is just something you either have to own, ignore, grow a thicker skin, or fight back. Though the options have varied success, just letting the bullies take advantage of you like that is what lets them get off on it. When they feel like they have defeated you is what they strive for. I believe that the reason more kids are being bullied online these days is it is easier, you don't have to confront them face to face, and that children are being coddled by their parents more then ever.
I believe that children are being more coddled in these times is because the parents are overly scared of the outside world. They dont want little Billy to get a scrape or bruise and on the other end of the spectrum, there are more creeps around these days. The only solution is to keep them safe and at home, right? The answer is no. You have to let them experience things as they happen and guide them when they need to talk about it. In Amanda Todd's case, I am not 100% sure on the details, but it seems like they just had her switch school or run away from the problem.That is not how problems get solved.
Also children bully online because it is easier to do, more people can see it, and they dont have to see their face. With the growth of the internet, this is bound to happen. More and more kids are online and have access to many resources. If you have ever stepped foot into an Xbox live Halo lobby, you will know right away that kids are much different online. The amount of vulgarity that spews from some of their mouths is outrageous. Posting it on facebook for everyone to see is not much different. They are trying to display dominance and by allowing them to control and dominate you only empowers them. There is noting more unfun to a bully then not getting a response.
Coming off my soap box; yes, what happened to Amanda Todd is a travesty. I am not saying she did the wrong thing or the right thing. There could have been many other ways to deal with this. Involving schools seems a little overboard and invading on privacy. Online or not, people will
get bullied. Enforcing stricter punishments won't solve the bullying problem. The only way to help the situation is to talk to the kids and see what they have to say instead of making all the decisions for them based on parental complaints. It will help kids learn how to deal with this issue and cold possibly prevent further events of this happening because the kids will know the effects of it. However; for now, straight out suspending or expelling a kid for bullying seems like a little much.
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