Welcome to Bullies Aren't Us: A Reaction Blog

In this day and age, students talk more through Social Media outlets than face-to-face. Our kids do not understand that what they say has consequences for themselves and the people that conversation is directed towards.

In earlier generations, we learned etiquette, or the proper way to act within society. Example:  Yes ma'am/sir and no ma'am/sir to ALL adults, no matter who they were or what they asked. When to be silent, and when it was ok to be loud and goofy. Different circumstances called for more or less strict etiquette. The majority of kids knew exactly what was appropriate, and what was not.

Today, we have netiquette or etiquette online. This is very similar to the above: The correct or acceptable way to communicate online. This can be summed up by saying netiquette means to - have manners. If you would (or should not based on proper etiquette within our society) say something directly to someone, do not say it online either. There are ways to say how you feel, without being disrespectful, degrading or belittling.

Example: John Boy mentions that he does not like the purple shirt an actor was wearing to the Grammy's, but you loved it. DO NOT SAY: "You don't like the purple shirt because you are a homo-phoebe!" (Now you have just offended John Boy and the entire Gay population. Instead say: "John Boy, we are each entitled to our own opinions, and I respect yours! Which live performance did you like the best?" (Now you have squashed the subject *politely* and started a new one!)

In each post, there will be an article link to read or a video to watch respond to. Some topics will be "heated" and could start debates or controversy. Do not let your emotions take over!! If you see a conversation begin to head in a "red zone" (where there is a possibility of someone getting hurt), it is up to you bloggers to stop the spiral before it gets too far.

ENJOY!!

-Your Technology Teachers