On Monday Oct. 17, 2011 15-year old Jamie Hubley took his own life as a result of cyber-bullying. The Ottawa schoolboy died on Saturday of human cruelty, profoundly depressed after years of being bullied online for being gay.While it is easy to praise social media platforms for providing two-way symmetrical communication between a brand and its audience every once in a while a story like this comes up which reminds us that there are devastating unintended effects of emerging media.
Hubley pointed out that cyber-bullying has created a new problem. There is no longer any refuge. “Children often feel there is no safe place to go; even when they are at home they can still be victims.”
Social Media’s Role in the Investigation
After Hubley’s death investigators began exploring his personal blog, Tumblr, Facebook and Youtube pages. Hubley was using these platforms to express his thoughts and posted his final note to friends and family, along with a response to those who had bullied him online. After uncovering these pages Const. Scott Mills hosted a Canadian Safe School Network conference in Toronto, during which the recommendation was made for educators to have a stronger presence on social media websites.
Mills controversially argued that social networking sites can be used for mentoring, building relationships and can help prevent teen suicides and gang activity and that a positive relationship with a teacher can help kids who are prone to aggression and depression.
Two schools of thought seem to have emerged
The first argues that social media should not play a role as it blurs the lines of the teacher-student relationship.
The second argues that adult mentorship is crucial and because teenagers spend so much time online, that must be carried over to the cyber world.
The Stats:
· Of the 7,112 high school students who took part a survey by the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, 39 per cent believe it is not acceptable to connect through social media with teachers.
· 58 per cent of parents oppose their children having online connections with teachers and administration.
· 69.5 per cent of teens support schools taking action on cyber-bullying that occurs outside of school hours.
Mills controversially argued that social networking sites can be used for mentoring, building relationships and can help prevent teen suicides and gang activity and that a positive relationship with a teacher can help kids who are prone to aggression and depression.
Two schools of thought seem to have emerged
The first argues that social media should not play a role as it blurs the lines of the teacher-student relationship.
The second argues that adult mentorship is crucial and because teenagers spend so much time online, that must be carried over to the cyber world.
The Stats:
· Of the 7,112 high school students who took part a survey by the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, 39 per cent believe it is not acceptable to connect through social media with teachers.
· 58 per cent of parents oppose their children having online connections with teachers and administration.
· 69.5 per cent of teens support schools taking action on cyber-bullying that occurs outside of school hours.
Check out Rick Mercer’s rant on teen suicide and social media’s role in cyber bullying.
What do you think? Should teachers be required to step up to the plate and have a stronger online presence through social media sites?
What do you think? Should teachers be required to step up to the plate and have a stronger online presence through social media sites?
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