Hood1
Pro/ Con paper
The topic of Cyberbullying is very important in today’s society. There are opinions on
both sides of this issue. This issue is important because effects roughly 21% of children ages 12-
18, and has caused numerous students to commit or consider suicide. This paper will explore
both sides of three issues related to if social media is responsible for the high percentage of
cyberbullying, if schools should be able to execute consequences for cyber bullying, and if cyber
bullying is harsher than traditional bullying.
Argument #1: Does social media have an effect on the amount of cyber bullying that
takes place and is it responsible for cyber bullying? The first issue related to this topic is the
effect that social media has on cyber bullying. A lot of people see social networking as a way to
keep in contact with friends and network, but a high number of people relate social networks
directly to cyber bullying. Supporters of this issue say that social media helps spread vicious
rumors and racist forums and feel as though this new technology is being used mainly as a way
to perform acts of hatred, harassment and intimidation. Opponents of this issue say that social
media cannot be blamed for cyberbullying as though they are only a medium used for
cyberbullying, but does not create the wars they endure. They feel as though teachers and parents
should be teaching students computer etiquette, they also feel as though people will find a way to
bully regardless, whether it is on or off of social media and is not limited to the internet or a
specific social networking site.
Hood2
Argument #2: Should schools be able to execute consequences for cyber bullying?
The second issue related to this topic is whether acts such as bullying performed online and off
of schools territory should be able to be punishable by schools. This is important because schools
often question how involved they can be in these situations and what position they hold.
Supporters of the issue say that schools should be able to punish off campus cyber bullying if it
interferes with education. Supporters also feel as though school disciplinary policies should
specifically state that there will be punishments for off campus acts of bullying, in addition they
believe that they are not denying ones freedom of speech if that speech is disruptive and
interferes with ones learning process. Opponents of the issue say that banning words or
providing consequence to acts of harassment or cyberbullying ultimately threatens ones free
