I let my kids go on the computer. I have to, really. I mean now in this day and age, the kids go to computer lab at least three times a week in public school if not more, and they are spending a lot of time doing projects and work using the Internet. But as a parent monitoring my kids computer use is more than just what site they are going to and who they are talking to online.
I recently read this article about a mother in the states who is suing her child’s school because his teacher went on Facebook and talked about him in a disgusting manner. She shared her opinions about the student, never stating his name but only his initials, and yet everyone knew who this teacher was talking about.
“I’m fairly convinced that one of my students may be the evolutionary link between orangutans and humans.”
After reading the article, which I re-read later to my 13 year old, not to bash the teacher or even get into the whole bullying thing online. I wanted my son to realize that what we say online, what we share online, how we say things and share things is infinite. Meaning that once we hit SEND — our words are forever embedded into cyberspace.
Now sure this teacher removed her post, only after seven people liked and commented on her remarks about her student. That doesn’t mean the damage will just go away. How many others read it? How many of those shared it with their friends? It’s endless cycle – this sharing and liking we do. So it’s important that when it comes to our children, we teach them the right and wrong ways of sharing and voicing their own opinions.
“I think the teacher needs to smarten up and keep what they have to say about their students to themselves. I would feel so upset if I was the student, put down and as though why should I care…”
That is how my son feels about the article, which I’m glad. I’ve worked hard to teach him right from wrong and that you can share your opinions online, use your voice, just so long as it is done in a respectful manner.
I see it every day. Kids I know online, sharing how they feel. Using swear words to make them sound cool, talking about having sex with partners, talking about drugs or drinking, sharing sneaking out of the house, talking bad about their parents. It makes me sick to my stomach!
How we feel is important. Sharing our feelings is important. When is the line crossed though?
I hope this mother gets some justice for her son. I hope the teacher realizes how hurtful she’s been, and how her misjudgment in sharing her opinion this way reflects upon her not just as a teacher talking bad about her student but as a person talking bad about another human being.
Isn’t life hard enough without us having to worry about someone always putting us down? We spend so much time being negative, no wonder our kids have issues. We need to stand up and teach our kids to respect the Internet, respect its power to catalogue and treasure each and every thing we share about ourselves, our lives and others.
What do you think? Chime in below — we’d love to hear from you!
I think people just need to think about what they say all the time…in person, online, where ever. And public figures, especially teachers, have an expectation to be leaders in our communities.
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Wow.
A teacher is supposed to support and teach a child. This kind of behavour is not what I’d want them teaching my kids. I hadn’t heard of this situation but I’m interested in hearing what comes of it.
Thanks for sharing.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
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such an important thing to teach our kids for sure!
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Great post Jodi! I totally agree. Kids need to be taught that whatever goes out on the Internet, is definitely out there and the repercussions are permanent. I grew up using the Internet from the age of 14 or so. I had my own computer in my room with Internet access when I was 16-17. I met people online in real life and posted things that were questionable. I know a lot better today and will be definitely teaching my kids what I have learned.
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Thanks brandy
Wow! Thanks for posting this. That is exactly the kind of behaviour we DON’T want our kids to imitate. I’m quite shocked and disgusted that a teacher would do that. Really makes me sad. Yes, you are absolutely right that we need to teach our kids a level of respect when online.
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if you don’t want it published in the paper you shouldn’t put in on the internet. that’s a good rule to follow. wondering why a teacher would have students or their parents on her friend list, that seems like another bad practice!
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That’s what I thought.
The teacher should never of crossed that line, it is incredibly inappropriate and in very poor taste. I try to tell my daughter that anything she says or pictures which she posts are out there forever – it’s a hard lesson to learn at a young age. (she is 14, and my only child on the internet….right now)
Oh boy. I could get if the teacher posted she had a bad day, because yes, we all have days and there are some days we want to vent, but to single out one student (even if not posting his name) to the entire cyber world is just wrong. She had to have known this would come and bite her where the sun don’t shine. Some things should just not be said via internet. Thanks for sharing! Yet another person who hasn’t learned yet that things said on facebook spread like you wouldn’t believe.
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Jodi, trust me netiquettess are an important part of etiquette’s now a days. I work from home and online, so whenever kids are around I always share with them the kind of work I do, If someone reacting angrily or making fun, they ask me to fight or confront with them.. I have started telling them how to behave and how not to react, i am sure it will help them in the future!
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