Inappropriate Use Digital Media- Alicia Buchholz

While teaching middle school students, I observed that much of the conflict brought into the classroom stemmed from communication that occurred outside of school, often through digital media. The anonymity students experienced behind a computer screen—without having to look their peers in the eyes—gave them a heightened sense of courage and, at times, carelessness in what they posted or shared online. Students’ emotional responses to these situations varied widely. While some comments initially provided a false sense of power, the resulting conflicts often left students feeling betrayed, unsafe, embarrassed, and upset. In response, teachers began incorporating discussions of digital citizenship into mediation meetings in hopes of preventing future conflicts. These experiences highlighted the need for conversations about digital citizenship to begin at the start of the school year and continue consistently throughout it.

I agree- I teach 5/6 grade and the amount of issues that carry over into the classroom from social media is crazy. They don't see the consequences of their actions, and the amount of negative behaviors in person also increases. I'm starting to see them not have any form of empathy at all, even in person, and I think some of that 'braveness' stems from them doing it online already.