Final answer:
School administration should play a role in monitoring cyberbullying, as evidenced by the prevalent impact on students and the tragic outcomes in cases like Phoebe Prince's. School intervention, within appropriate privacy boundaries, can provide education, support, and enforcement of anti-bullying policies to help prevent such incidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Should School Administration Monitor Cyberbullying?
The question about whether school administration should be responsible for monitoring cyberbullying by students is increasingly relevant. With the rise of digital communication, bullying has evolved into a form that can be persistent and anonymous, making its impact potentially more harmful. According to a U.S. Department of Education study in 2011, about 9 percent of students reported experiencing cyberbullying. The tragic case of Phoebe Prince in 2010 illustrates just how devastating the consequences of such bullying can be.
Given the serious nature of these incidents and their possible repercussions on student well-being and safety, it is arguable that school administrations have a role in monitoring and addressing cyberbullying, within a framework that respects privacy and freedom of speech. While anti-bullying legislation exists, it is the responsibility of schools to enforce such policies effectively and provide support and education to prevent bullying from occurring. Furthermore, with several resources available to schools to educate and prevent cyberbullying, administration involvement is key to implementing these resources.
Stakeholders in education, including school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, must collaborate to foster a safe environment. This might include policies that discourage bullying behaviors, support for victims, and educational programs to raise awareness about the consequences of cyberbullying. It is a collective effort, and while schools should not be the sole guardians against cyberbullying, they do play a critical role in its prevention and intervention.