Information Society – educational implications

Just the other day at work, (I work as a teacher at elementary school), some kids of mine began arguing in their break. One kid told the other that he was just a "mini". And this pupil, who is short for his age reacted by telling back, to the kid who named him, that he was so fat that a dog would appreciate him.

When i talked to my students about what had happened, they just went: - We're just having fun! I didn't mean it like that! a.s.o..

So now's the time to ask ourselves; Is this behavior a "lesson" learned from TV, Internet and even real life? Are todays kids blinded by this "innocent" bullying and accepting it as ok? But is it okay when it happens to THEM?

In todays TV-shows and Internet you can see a lot of "innocent" bullying; TV - host are making fun of other people, in reality shows you can see the participants are barking to each other, humor shows are making fun of others. This is just some of the "canals" where kids get to "learn" this behavior or making this behavior "legal". Even in "everyday - life" we can see and "learn" lots of bad bahavior.
At "Idrettsagallaen 2010", a annual norwegian show with awards for the biggest sport names, the anchors made fun of an norwegian football trainer at prime time. Read more here.
Other Shows wich can encourage this behaviour is shows like bigbrother and paradise hotel. In shows like this you can see and listen to the participants making fun of eachother.

So what do YOU think is important to teach the kids? Is it ok to let children surf the internet, watch reality shows which contains backbiting and bad language?

I think it's important to be as a good role - model as we can be. Try to teach the kids right from wrong and to learn them manners. I think that the kids must not be held back from all the media that surrounds us. It is important to be there with them, to show interest and to talk about the topic about bullying and manners.
Just take a look at this youtube - film, Children see... children do.
We all can make a difference.

Blog

So here it is! My first blog.

I hope that those of you who will be reading my blog will find it interesting. And please leave a comment if you have any!

Ole Martin