I heard a few parents talking today about what our school is going to do about the growing problem of cyberbullying. My first reaction was what are we going to do,shouldn't you be asking what as parents you are going to do?
As the 7th grade computer teacher, I am very much responsible for the majority of the Internet Safety ( and soon to add cyberbullying) curriculum. I love this part of my curriculum. I learn so much about the online habits of the average 12-13 year old. One thing that is surprising is when my students talk about how their parents do not know anything about he social networking sites they visit. I do not understand with all the media attention to these sites, that parents are not monitoring their child's online activities.
Is it just my perception, or are more parents expecting the schools to do more of the parenting skills then ever before?
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I think you're right about some parents expecting schools to take over some of the parenting. Certainly not all parents. There are those who are very active in their child's education and assume the responsibility of making sure that their children keep up their grades. But then there are those who don't take that responsibility. As a tutor, I try to convey to parents that I cannot wave a magic wand that will suddenly make the child's grades go up. The child is going to have to work at it. But unfortunately, some parents think that tutoring alone is the answer - no need to take responsibility for the child's study habits. I think that this is analogous to parents not monitoring their children's online activities.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct. Not all parents are withdrawn from their child’s online activities. But from my experience, I have found those parents to be the minority. I think that parents feel that if they have security on their computer that it will keep their child safe. I agree with you on your analogy on tutoring. Yes, parents (many) feel like if they are paying you to tutor their child then it is up to you to make sure their child’s work is done and they are prepared for school. Over the years I have seen this more and more the case at parent conferences. I guess we will just keep doing what we are doing and hope for the best!
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