Virtually Me

I'd say that it's kismet (fate) that the sixth grade got an invitation to see a play called "Virtually Me" based on virtual socializing and how it affects friendships, our current writing unit topic. 

The play was appropriately interactive for our technologically-clad students, especially the beginning where a large computer screen typed questions for the audience to answer.  Students all around us yelled their answers out loud, and the auditorium was teeming with chatter and giggles.

I knew we were in the place.

Throughout the show, it was clear that the kids felt connected to the content, especially since our writing focus has been on our position we'd take if we had to debate the effects of virtual socializing on friendships.  We got to see it first-hand, acted out, all of the positive and negative affects it can and does have on our youth.

A major point the play makes is that of cyber-bullying, an ever-growing issue in the U.S.

As an educator, and someone who grew up on the edge of the technological boom, I understand the pressures our students feel to interact with one another virtually.  In so many ways, the benefits from being able to be in touch instantly with one another is unparalleled, especially when it comes to safety, but so much of our technology is abused, and having "instant" connections has proven to be harmful.

Over the past few years, stories have graced the news of those who were unfortunately beaten by the virtual system, and who took their own lives as a way to escape their peers and the pressures around them.  My heart breaks knowing there are so many out there being bullied to the point where they felt they had no choice but to face death.  As a teacher, I ask myself after hearing these stories, "How did this slip past all of the adults?"  But kids are sneaky, and technology is stealthy; sometimes by the time the bullying has been caught, the damage has been done.

But what I love about this writing unit and the play, Virtually Me is that our students are truly examining their feelings toward virtual socializing.  I'm proud to know that there seems to be a balance between understanding its benefits, and also the harm that can ensue if used in the wrong way.  It is unfortunate that so many have taken their own lives because of reckless individuals, but the best thing we can do as adults is educate our youth on the appropriateness of virtual socializing, and hope that they follow our lead.

We have had some really great conversations in the classroom about ways people use various forms of virtual socializing, and we've opened up the forum enough so that all of our students feel comfortable sharing and expressing their feelings about the trials and tribulations is this ever-changing world of technology.

I hope you all take a look at the website Virtually Me and talk with your student about how they can help their friends and peers use the internet and virtual socializing safely and respectfully.