Strike Back Against the Use of the Internet to Destroy the Reputation of Students

At the school where I work, a 'hit' was placed on some of the students. Students writing from their Sidekick Mobile devices spread e-mail gossip and rumors about some of the students at the school. Soon the 'hitlist' had reached a large share of the school population and the community at large. In the aftermath of the 'hit list' a student stopped showing up, the damage to her reputation too damaging. In addition to reputation, phones can be used to record fights, arrange fights and threaten and bully students.

What could be done about such hits? Is it a battle that is beyond control? Well, gossip, rumors and fighting have been around since the beginning of time, so it is beyond anyones control to completely eliminate it, but there must be ways to lessen its impact.

While I would like to suggest some ideas that I have for dealing with the problem, I would like to use this as a 'hit list' hit list, where parents, students and school staff can communicate with ideas on how to deal with this problem. Together we can add to work that is already being done in order to help find a solution. Already, there is a website pointsmartclicksafe.org which contains valuable information. Below, I would like to list a few other ideas on how to deal with this problem.

1.Schools need to monitor mobile device use-Most schools already have a policy in place limiting the use of text devices on campus, but schools need to take a bigger role in monitoring their use. While patrolling the use of mobile devices on school campuses won't eliminate 'hit lists' it will make them less likely, since the students wont be staring at their classmates as they think about spreading a 'hit'.

In addition to spreading rumors. The devices can be used to cheat on tests, threaten other kids and arrange fights, among other things. Not something that needs to be had in a school environment.

2.Parents need to be made aware of what their child is doing online. Websites such as pointsmartclicksafe.org have good information to help parents in regards to this.

3.School districts need to monitor internet- Fights between students can be posted on web sites such as youtube, myspace and others for the pleasure of the attackers. Monitor those sites. Report information to the proper authorities, if necessary. Students need to know that if they post fights for the thrill of it, they won't be getting away with it.

4.Make students aware that the internet isn't as anonymous as they think-students might think that they are anonymous on the internet, but most of the time, they leave a trail behind. Do they really want people to find out that they were the ones who were spreading those rumors.

5.The internet is forever-It might seem to be fun to make fun of a classmate today, but do they really deserve someones cruel remarks to be on the internet 10-15 years from now when they are adults. Help students understand this.

6.Don't laugh, you may already be on the list-I encountered one student who chuckled when he heard about the 'hitlist' only to discover that he was on it too.

7.Parents think before you buy-Maybe you feel that your child needs a phone for emergencies, but does that he or she needs a mobile device with unlimited e-mail and text messages. Before the purchase is made, think about whether it is really necessary, how you can monitor it, and what features are really needed. Remember in addition to 'hitlists' phones are sometimes used by bullies to phone or text threats.

8.Diffuse the damage-Remind students that information on a 'hitlist' comes from students out to get someone. You can't always believe what you hear and even if it is true, is it really the whole school's business.

9.Discuss the problem-There is no need to spread the information in a 'hitlist', but members in a community can meet to discuss ways to address the problem.

10.Comfort your friends-Don't treat your friends like the plague after they've been hit. Come to their aid and offer support. Don't be afraid to tell people that the information said about your friend is untrue and let them know that you wont let them down in their time of need.

If anyone else has any other ideas. Please respond to this article.