Online Pranks by Students About Teachers

In the article, "Teachers strike back at Students' Online Pranks" the issue of freedom of speech is brought up. Students are now increasingly writing negative things about their teachers on the web, and teachers in some cases are pressing charges. However, the spectrum of what students say ranges from bullying to false accusations that could cost teachers their job.

I believe that the first amendment should be observed, but I think that if something is said about a teacher that could threaten their job, the student should be punished for it. Teachers also need to realize that we live in an age of technology, and that pranks come with the territory of being a teacher. They need to also be aware that they are dealing with (in many cases) immature children. Depending on the context, some things teachers should let roll off their backs.

Embarrassment is something I feel is not substantial enough to press charges. However, online pranks toward an administrator did go too far when students made racial slurs and threats towards a principal in the article. There is a fine line between freedom of speech and harassment. I absolutely believe that in cases of harassment students should be prosecuted. Students have always had the ability to make harassing threats towards a teacher in the classroom instead of behind a computer. However, the Internet allows for a broader number of people to read any negative threats about the teacher. Inside the school at least threats can be put to a stop more quickly, and less people are likely to hear about them.