Campus Engagement 2

Campus Engagement 2
Event: Taking Up Space: Middle school Girls Response to (Cyber) Bullying
4/16/12

                I attended the middle school girls response to bullying presentation not only because I needed campus engagement, but also because in my personal life I work with and mentor middle school girls and felt this to be extremely important. The purpose of the research the YWLP is doing is to research the relationship between anti-bullying instruction effects in a local mentoring group. They also aim to find out what factors impact how middle school girls define the problem of harassment and bullying. There were several shocking statements made in this presentation. One particular off putting but too true statement was that discriminatory language among friends is generally accepted in middle schools. I am pretty sure that this statement is true multi-generationally as I have experienced it myself. As a nanny to four kids, two of which are middle school aged, I am very concerned with this type of talk and discourage the use of that language across the board. The presentation also stated that nationally, teachers, parents, and administrators aren’t sure who is responsible for taking action on the issue of cyber bullying. My answer to that would be: All of them are responsible. Every single person in a child’s life should be personally responsible for their wellbeing and happiness to an extent. If there is something teachers can do in the classroom to address bullying, it should be addressed. If there is something an administrator can do to punish the act of cyber bullying, it should be done. Every parent should be mindful and watchful over the activity that their child does on the internet. Talk to the kids, know the signs of a child victimized. Another interesting point Dr. Santana rose was that girls who put themselves in leadership positions are more confident and less apt to fall victim to bullying. All I could think of is how I was in student counsel all through middle school and high school. It gave me confidence and a sense of purpose. It also gave me control to address issues and be close to teachers, advisors, and administrators. I always felt protected and I think it is largely due to that. I will be interested to see the final results of the research done on how girls define their rights, how they act prior to and post mentoring or instruction, and finally how the strategies taught had an impact on how the issue is handled. The fact is that girls and boys ARE being (cyber) bullied. Conversely, girls and boys ARE (cyber) bullying others. I feel personally that not enough is being done to prevent, counsel, and protect kids when it comes to bullying and it needs to be acknowledged and solved.

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