Should Schools Punish Oil-Campus Cyberbullying?

• Author: Patchin, Justin W.
• Position: Debate

Whether it's vicious texts or embarrassing social media posts, experts say cyberbullying is on the rise. And because it can happen anywhere, schools are faced with a dilemma: how to handle cyberbullying that takes place off campus. In recent years, states such as California and Illinois have passed laws allowing schools to punish students for cyberbullying away from school. But free speech advocates have challenged the laws in court. According to a 1969 Supreme Court case (Tinker v. Des Moines), educators can restrict students' speech only if it causes "a substantial disruption" of school activities. So should schools be allowed to punish students for cyberbullying when it occurs after hours? Two experts weigh in.

YES

The Cyberbullying Research Center has been collecting data on online harassment for 15 years. During that time, we've surveyed more than 20,000 middle and high school students from across the United States. And we know from that research how significant the problem is and the impact it can have.

At least one in three middle and high school students have experienced cyberbullying. They are tormented online in ways that can make learning at school extremely difficult. Educators can and should respond to these incidents even if they occur away from the classroom.

Courts have already determined that schools have the right to punish students for their off-campus behavior. That includes what happens online if whatever occurred causes a "substantial disruption" of the learning environment--or interferes with the rights of students. There's no doubt that if young people are being mistreated online, their ability to learn and feel safe at school is disrupted.

Additionally, research shows that when students are cyberbullied, more often than not, they're also being harassed at school. Online abuse, therefore, can indicate school-based bullying, which schools are required to respond to.

Our research shows that students who believe schools will punish them for cyberbullying are less likely to torment their classmates than those who don't fear punishment. If educators clearly convey that students who engage in cyberbullying will face consequences at school, the behavior will likely decrease.

Teachers and principals are best equipped to deal with issues that come up between students. Of course, it's important that the school's response to online bullying is appropriate and educational. For example, administrators could require students to...