Canadian Teachers Crack Down on Cyberbullying

July 23, 2008

Because online bullying has become so serious, with both teachers and students being harassed and threatened, representatives at a meeting for the national teachers' organization have unanimously voted in favor of urging the federal government to make cyberbullying a criminal offense says CBC News. Emily Noble, president of the Canadian Teachers' Federation had this to say about the issue:

"The internet is the new playground. So let's get some ground rules in terms of how we treat each other," Noble said. "Teachers would like to know that they've got some backup, and they've got some support from parents, the community and decision-makers."

Just a thought, but maybe the Brits should follow Canada's lead and consider implementing harsher penalties for cyberbullying as well? I mean it is the British youngsters who are actually pretending to be online predators themselves!

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8 Comments

AQPWawona 4 years 43 weeks

I think it is commendable that Canadian educators have acknowledged this problem and have chosen to address cyber bullying. It's become so rampant that I fear parents and teachers may eventually experience "cyber bullying fatigue." Let's make sure that doesn't happen! Here's my plea - U.S. educators also need to take a major stance on policies that help prevent cyber bullying. I've read that cyber bullying occurs on school campuses, at school property - and this is made easier by cell phones w/ Internet access. I don't want my child to grow up having to tackle yet more dangers at school! Thank you for sharing this article and I hope that it spurs action. It's slowly happening on a state level, but I would gladly support any federal action.

neko 4 years 43 weeks

I'd love to see how they'd even make any headway on this. Is it going to get to a point where one person can't say anything to another without it being construed as bullying?

kcwebgirl 4 years 43 weeks

i don't understand the utter cruelty that is childhood. is there nothing better to do than torture someone?

Jude C 4 years 43 weeks

Kids are so creative at finding new and inventive ways to torment each other.

CoralAmber 4 years 43 weeks

I'm glad I never had to deal with this when I was a kid. How horrible that they can't even escape bullying outside of school. What would the punishment be? They take away computer privileges of hackers.

Bksuga 4 years 43 weeks

wow I agree there should be a punishment for bullying online. espically after a teenage commited suicide because she was bullyed online. But i wonder how they would enforce this thought?