Can it be Fixed? A Culturally Responsive and Restorative Response to Cyberbullying


Going back to my first post on building a positive climate and culture, relationships are part of developing and fostering this climate. The framework of having restorative circles allows for there to be meaningful relationships in a school community. Restorative circles are a component of having a culturally responsive climate and culture because it requires the school members to become curious about, value and respect the cultural, social and experiential differences among themselves and the rest of the school community. Part of having these meaningful relationships involves being able to handle conflict. For example, if there are a series of events that are described as cyberbully, the victim and the offender have the opportunity to repair the harm. The victim has the opportunity to be seen and heard as well as advocate for their overall well-being.  The offender takes accountability and responsibility for the harm that was caused and has the opportunity to re enter into the learning space.  School leaders must model the tenants of restorative circles and provide opportunities for teachers and staff to practice and model it for each other and the student population.


In an opinion article from the New York Times, the author discusses using restorative circles as a form of restorative justice as a means to fix the “toxic” internet. As school leaders, we have a responsibility to continue to promote a positive culture and not perpetuate a toxic culture. We also have a responsibility to emphasize the importance of having a value set that values digital citizenship and our responsibility not only as global citizens but also digital citizens. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/20/opinion/internet-harassment-restorative-justice.html


The document found below is a useful tool that can be used as a handbook for implementing restorative circles in a school building. I encourage school leaders to read this handbook first and then identify a team of dedicated educators interested in the restorative justice work. This tool can be used as a learning opportunity within a professional learning community or as a guide for a series of professional development opportunities. The key takeaway from this guide are that purposes for restorative circles and the places in the school building where these circles should start, the classroom.


https://www.osibaltimore.org/wp-content/uploads/Teaching-Restorative-Practices-in-the-Classroom-SUSD.pdf


https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/06/30/36willard.h29.html

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 30, 2020 at 7:30 PM

    I believe that restorative circles are a tool but not the solution. Our students need to understand that all actions don't have a willing partner that wants to restore, in addition to consequences. Far too often the circle is used at the wrong times and none of the parties restore but rather just placate the administrator for the moment

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    Replies
    1. BowmanJune 30, 2020 at 7:55 PM

      I agree that some situations, relationships can not be resolved using Restorative Practices. All parties must not only be open to the process; but, have to walk away changed and not do similar hurtful acts again.

      Delete
  2. BowmanJune 30, 2020 at 7:52 PM

    Cyberbullying is an issue that has direct impact on the learning environment, student’s wellbeing. Unfortunately, many students are introduced to technology well before they have had digital citizenship, awareness sessions. I believe this is critical and more proactive than Restorative Circles. Unlike having an in person disagreement, social media is forever, has a ripple effect and deeper impact. The Restorative Circles resource is great for all stakeholders. In the last resource, I particularly liked: “Guidance: Use a social-norms approach for prevention education. Set up situations in which students discuss their personal standards for how they treat others when using electronic communication technologies and how they want to be treated.”

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