Professional Log #9

Fredrick, K. (2009, April).  Mean girls (and boys): Cyberbullying and what can be done about it. School Library Media Activities, 25(8), 44-45.  Retrieved from May 1, 2011, from the  Library,

Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.

I enjoyed reading this article because it addressed the role that school librarians play in cyberbullying.  First, the author provides a description of cyberbullying.  She states that it is any electronic device (phone or computer) that can post or send a harmful message to others.  The librarian’s role is to advocate the prevention of cyberbullying.  To help in their advocating process, librarians will need to create a plan of action that will be presented to the school and administration.  If more people know that it is a problem, then the goal is that they will learn to stop doing it or do not participate in cyberbullying. 

I liked the idea about having a cyberbullying session where the students learn about cyberbullying and how to prevent it, report it, and know about it.  Part of the program should include a discussion on what the cyberbullying definition includes.  After the students understand what cyberbullying means there can be a discussion of incidents where cyberbullying happened or could have happened if someone had not stopped.  Lastly, the program needs to include a question section in which students will be free to ask any questions they have about cyberbullying.  The program that is shared with the students can also be shared with the parents but in more depth.  Parents need to know about cyberbullying and how to prevent it so they know the signs while their student’s are at home on the computer.  Their discussion session should include scenarios where they  see that their child is being bullied and they need to take action.