Dive Brief:
- Anonymous social apps that allow students can post and view incognito pose new threats for teachers and parents working to combat cyber bullying.
- One site causing particular issues is Yik Yak, a digital message-board where students can make anonymous posts that are viewable by anyone within 10 miles.
- Geofencing blocks the site from many K-12 campuses, but bullying that takes place off school grounds can still translate into school problems.
Dive Insight:
The pervasive use of technology means a student's behavior is not just a school issue during class time, but at any time of day. One recommendation is having school bullying policies that students understand they are held to around the clock. Of course, making sure parents and teachers are all on board is important to curbing this behavior, as well.
Another idea is having students use a digital citizenship app, like those provided by Learning.com or Common Sense Media. According to Learning.com, 43% of children have been bullied online, and this number is only heightened by the fact that the average American spends 23 hours per week online. This large amount of time means lessons in digital etiquette are a must. It's fair to expect that digital literacy for 21st century students should include learning how to interact properly on the web.