Technology + Bullying = A Bad Combination

Posted by Ken

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There was a 30-second video clip last month that went flying around cyberspace. The clip showed a student being beaten-up by two other students, while a crowd of their peers looked on offering cheers and words of encouragement. So how did someone record this on video? Well, by way of a cell phone, of course.

The technological wonders we have that surround us today, our pagers, PDAs, and cell phones capable of capturing still photographs or even videos are no less susceptible to abuse. Just like fire, they must be used wisely. With every picture taken of a smiling child that’s sent to mom on her cell phone, there’s another one sent to a buddy that shows a violent or lewd act, IMHO.

You see, when a kid is put to the test in front of his or her peers, the desire to win is a very strong one. You could say that the fear of failing in front of them is really more of what it’s about. Reflecting upon my younger days, I can personally attest to that. Really, who wants to be seen as a coward? Unfortunately, some kids lack the wisdom to choose the correct path and ultimately take the one that leads to pain and suffering. It’s my opinion that’s what happened with these kids in the article.

Statistics have shown that crowds tend to increase the likelihood of a violent act will become more violent (according to the article). Not only were the peers in attendance cheering them on, but when you add the fact that they were being recorded, emotions can escalate to a fever pitch. You might call it a “show-off syndrome”. But what really gets me is that if this happened 10 or 15 years ago, you’d probably have kids scattering to find a hiding place to avoid being seen in the video. What’s wrong with these kids today?

Are we not teaching them the difference between right and wrong? Are we not setting the proper example? I’m not saying the kids should not have recorded it, I’m saying the kids should not have gotten into a fight to begin with. The fact that they used available technology to show countless others on the Internet a violent act at all only goes to show the low standards they place on themselves.

If there is a silver lining out of all of this, at least with the act being recorded, it’ll come in handy in court.