Happy Friday, Rules readers. Today I’ve been reading up on whether community school efforts should be coordinated by schools or outside organizations. I also can’t quit watching this Vine of Elmo and Craig Robinson, who are mimicking this adorable little girl. Conveniently, Vine videos automatically loop over and over again.
But let’s dive into some good stuff related to school climate and student well-being. This week, we get a new take on the perennial argument about violence in video games, we hear about a few reasons why classrooms may seem a little more quiet than usual, we read about a possibly overzealous anti-bullying crusade, and more.
On bullying:
“Maybe other sheriffs and prosecutors will see the real lesson to be learned here: This is not the way to help kids. Or to make yourself look good, either.”
—Slate’s Emily Bazelon writes about a law enforcement official who filed criminal charges against two girls based on unfounded claims of bullying.
Kids are now digital citizens:
“The class presents a possible glimpse into the future, when such lessons may become as commonplace as sex education. It also raises questions—as some parents have pondered—about the appropriate age to introduce a child’s supple mind to the instantaneous universe of social media.”
—The New York Times on classes to explain social media to young children.
On video games:
“Any player who has thrown down a remote control after losing an electronic game can relate to the intense feelings of anger failure can cause.”
—Video games may make kids aggressive not because of violent content, but because of frustrating difficulty, researchers say in this CNET article.
On that quiet classroom:
#SelfiesForSilence pic.twitter.com/lPHCHIv96v
-- Kelvin Najarro (@SoHappyICuldDie) April 11, 2014
—Students and educators use the Twitter hashtag #selfiesforsilence to explain why they are participating in the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s Day of Silence.
Another reason for silence:
“We realize the power of our voices only when we are silenced.”
—Celebrities tell Malala’s story in anticipation of April 17’s Day of Silence to raise awareness of the need for education for girls around the world.