Safe Schools

Satori: As technology progresses we realize that the Internet has become the main source for youth to communicate and socialize. I would like to think today is a great opportunity to discuss the importance of technology in our everyday lives.

Dave Levac: This isn't a discussion about banning. This is a discussion about respect and responsibility with technology.

Kathleen Wynne: We're talking about students taking responsibility, that's what this forum is about. It's about, um, respect, how do we demonstrate respect online. How technology, um, is having an impact in students' lives and the kinds of responses that the system needs to make.

Audience:

Group: Cell phones with text messaging.

Use Facebook every day.

IPods and mp3 players.

Downloading music.

Dave Levac: How many people here have been bullied?

Clarisse: Physical bullying isn't happening as much now, but cyber bullying happens every day.

Dave Levac: Physically, verbally, or online.

Clarisse: When there's bullying face to face there is no hard copy. People can brush it off and forget. But when its cyber bullying, it will always be there to remind you.

Dave Levac: If you've bee bullied put your hand up. Cyber bullied?

Kathleen Wynne: Actually I have.

Dave Levac: Yup, I've been cyber bullied

Aman: If you're seeing bullying happen, the main thing is just to not support it. Just make sure everybody knows that you're fully against bullying and lead by example.

Andrew: We can choose as individuals whether or not to perpetuate or contribute to cyber bullying. And so, it's our choice, it's our responsibility.

Corbin: So, what can students do to make a difference? Uh, don't be a bystander.

Ryan and Interpreter: We want to prevent the cyber abuse, and we need to know what's going on. And again, not just Internet but also physical abuse as well.

Melissa: This technology wasn't created to do harm to the world; it was created to open the doors for people; it was created to help us.

Dave Levac: Technology itself is not the enemy.

Andrew: Technology is not a curse, and as it becomes increasingly prevalent it is important that we understand its impact.

Dave Levac: It's a tool.

Corbin: We can't stop this. It's a global and evolving tool.

Pavan & Kera: As it was stated earlier, we can't turn off the Internet, we can't get rid of the technology. You can place a ban on Facebook or MSN, things like that. But in the end, there's always something new that's gonna come out and then the process will start all over again.

Corbin: So what's the solution to this? The solution is education.

Pavan & Kera: People need to be educated that technology needs to be used responsibly and not in a negative manner.

Melissa: If everybody takes a negative aspect on what's going on and we need to focus on the positives as well. Don't base the decisions on technology around the small percentage that misuses this technology. Don't punish everyone for this.

Matika: To punish these students will not always resolve the conflict.

Andrew: Our focus should be positive reinforcement. And that is why I think it's so important that the theme of this forum is 'Respect and Responsibility' not 'Addressing Bullying'.

Pavan & Kera: Like students are more likely to respond to these like disciplines and policies if they have been included in the decision.

Corbin: Administration needs to be part of this, uh, positive school experience; the staff needs to be part of this positive school experience; and the students need to

Andrew: The criticism of a fellow peer is more effective than the disapproval of an adult. And it is so important that we as students lead this cause, in order for it to be effective and in order for us to find a solution.

Corbin: Be the change that you want to see in the world. I think as students that we need to heed that kind of idea. That we need to realize, that this is an issue, and this is directly affecting us.

Melissa: We realize you can't please everyone, but we want you to keep in mind that there is a vast majority that uses this technology in a good way.

Dave Levac: This is the first couple of steps in our journey to dialogue with the rest of the Province of Ontario. Thanks for being such a great group. Have a nice afternoon!