In the ever changing landscape of education the use of technology in and out of the classroom has increased exponentially in the last few years. Smart phones, smart boards, iPad’s, personal computers and many others have become a driving force in a technically literate generation. As teachers we have been encouraged to not only embrace technology, but also harness its potential to inspire, create and inform. “The internet has opened the door to new learning and teaching opportunities. It has also raised issues about privacy, online respect, safety and appropriate use of technology - both inside and outside the classroom” (Ministry of Education, 2015). This article will provide a context and background to the issue of cyber bullying and how it relates to students with exceptionalities.
Cyber bullying has changed the landscape of school safety forever. School safety no longer ends at the school boundaries. In fact the Keeping Our Kids Safe At School Act (Bill 212) has specifically noted that staff must report bullying/ cyber bullying that occurs ON and OFF school grounds. Bill 212 also further extends the rights of educators to take action upon incidents that may not have been associated with the school but may affect its’ school climate. What does that mean for us, as teachers? It’s quite simple, if a student, outside of the school grounds, acts in a manner that has a direct/ indirect negative influence on a fellow student/s they are liable to be suspended or expelled.
Cyber bullying can be perpetrated by anyone with a ‘connected’ device. Students with exceptionalities can be both victims and perpetrators, like their peers. Research even shows that certain exceptional students may be statistically more likely to commit an act of cyber bullying.“It may also be that their classmates’ perceptions of their behaviour, their social exclusion, and their increased screen time make children with disabilities more likely candidates for being both a victim and a bully.” (Paré, 2012). There has been a great deal of debate in the past as to whether or not Ontario has equitably implemented and enforced provincial school safety policies. The Safe Schools Act, 2000, was particularly identified as being indiscriminate towards students with exceptionalities. In 2005, there was a complaint against both the Ministry of Education and the Toronto District School Board, lodged with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, it alleged that the school board policies and the Education Act discriminated against students with disabilities (Brent, 2007).
The amendments made to the Safe Schools Act by Bill 212 has been seen by many as applying equitable measures and punishments to all. The bill made it “mandatory to consider mitigating and “other” factors before imposing penalties, and provide more flexibility to school principals for dealing with discipline on a case-by-case basis.” (Paré, 2012). This form of consideration has benefited students with exceptionalities greatly as the original act was seen as one of zero tolerance. Bill 212 and its implementation has been recognized as the province moving away from zero tolerance and towards progressive discipline.
References
Brent, R. (2007). Ontario Education Act Amendments Target Cyber-Bullies Beyond The Schoolyard. Risk Management in Canadian Education, 7(4), 45-48. Retrieved from: http://www.thomsonrogers.com/sites/default/files/docs/library/Ontario%20Education%20Act%20Amendments%20Target%20Cyber-Bullies%20Beyond%20the%20Schoolyard.pdf
Ministry of Education. (2007). Online Respect. Retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/pdfs/OnLineRespect.pdf
OPHEA. (2015). Ontario Ministry of Education Policies. Retrieved from: http://www.reallifeonline.ca/Teacher-Resources/Ministry-of-Education-Policies.aspx
Paré, M. (2012). Inclusion of students with disabilities in the age of technology: The need for human rights guidance. Education Law Journal, 22(1), 39-61. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1243372791?accountid=15115
Brent, R. (2007). Ontario Education Act Amendments Target Cyber-Bullies Beyond The Schoolyard. Risk Management in Canadian Education, 7(4), 45-48. Retrieved from: http://www.thomsonrogers.com/sites/default/files/docs/library/Ontario%20Education%20Act%20Amendments%20Target%20Cyber-Bullies%20Beyond%20the%20Schoolyard.pdf
Ministry of Education. (2007). Online Respect. Retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/pdfs/OnLineRespect.pdf
OPHEA. (2015). Ontario Ministry of Education Policies. Retrieved from: http://www.reallifeonline.ca/Teacher-Resources/Ministry-of-Education-Policies.aspx
Paré, M. (2012). Inclusion of students with disabilities in the age of technology: The need for human rights guidance. Education Law Journal, 22(1), 39-61. Retrieved from