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Should Schools Be Allowed To Punish Students For What They Write On So

Should schools be allowed to punish students for what they write on social media? Write an argumentative essay using evidence from your research to support your ideas.

PART 2: Drafting Your Essay

Directions: Draft your essay in the space provided. If you created an outline for this essay in a previous lesson, use it to help you draft. As you draft your essay, be sure to apply the skills you’ve practiced in writing lessons throughout this unit. Please see attachment to complete the assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The issue of whether schools should have the authority to punish students for their social media posts is a complex and contentious topic. With the rise of digital communication platforms, students increasingly express their thoughts and opinions online, which can sometimes lead to disciplinary actions by educational institutions. Advocates argue that schools must enforce discipline to maintain order and safety, especially when online speech disrupts the educational environment or threatens harm. Conversely, opponents contend that such punitive measures infringe upon students' free speech rights and violate their privacy. This essay examines both perspectives, ultimately arguing that while schools should have some authority to regulate online conduct, such power must be balanced carefully to protect students' constitutional rights.

Proponents of punishing students for their social media activities emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment. Schools have a duty to ensure that students engage in respectful communication both on and off-campus. For example, if a student posts threatening language or defamatory comments about peers or staff, the school is justified in taking disciplinary action to prevent harassment or violence (Herl and Fogel, 2013). Moreover, the rise of cyberbullying has heightened concerns about the psychological well-being of students, prompting schools to intervene when online speech harms students' mental health (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014). From this perspective, the school's responsibility extends beyond school grounds into digital spaces, especially when online speech disrupts the educational environment.

On the other hand, critics argue that punishing students for social media posts can infringe on their First Amendment rights, which safeguard freedom of speech. They contend that students do not lose their constitutional rights when they go online, and censorship of social media content can set dangerous precedents for free expression (Haimson & Harkness, 2018). For instance, some students post controversial opinions outside school hours, and disciplinary actions in response to such speech may constitute government overreach. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that students retain free speech rights, provided their expressions do not cause material disruption to school activities (Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., 2021). Therefore, schools must exercise discretion and avoid suppressing legitimate expression that does not threaten safety or disrupt learning.

Balancing these perspectives requires nuanced policies that recognize both the school's authority to maintain order and students' right to free expression. Schools should establish clear guidelines outlining acceptable online behavior, emphasizing that conduct which creates a substantial disruption or involves threats or harassment can warrant disciplinary measures (U.S. Department of Education, 2019). Such policies must be transparent, consistently enforced, and respectful of students' rights. Additionally, educators should educate students about responsible digital citizenship, fostering an understanding of how their online actions can have real-world consequences (Ribble, 2015). This proactive approach helps prevent problematic behavior while respecting constitutional freedoms.

In conclusion, schools should be permitted to discipline students for their social media posts, but only within carefully defined boundaries that respect students' First Amendment rights. Policies must strike a balance between protecting the school community and upholding individual freedoms. When disciplinary actions are justified by threats, harassment, or significant disruption, they serve to uphold safety and order. However, overreach must be avoided, and students should be educated about responsible online conduct. As digital communication continues to evolve, ongoing dialogue and clear policies are necessary to navigate this complex issue ethically and legally.

References

• Herl, J., & Fogel, A. (2013). Cyberbullying and the First Amendment. Journal of School Violence, 12(4), 345-360.
• Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A review of cyberbullying research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(2), 147-155.
• Haimson, O. L., & Harkness, A. (2018). Free speech and social media policies in schools: A legal perspective. Computers in Human Behavior, 86, 129-137.
• Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., 594 U.S. ___ (2021).
• Ribble, M. (2015). Digital Citizenship in Schools: nine elements all students should know. ISTE.
• Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: a review of cyberbullying research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(2), 147-155.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2019). Digital citizenship and responsible use of technology.
• Herl, J., & Fogel, A. (2013). Cyberbullying and the First Amendment. Journal of School Violence, 12(4), 345-360.
• Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: a review of cyberbullying research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(2), 147-155.
• Haimson, O. L., & Harkness, A. (2018). Free speech and social media policies in schools: A legal perspective. Computers in Human Behavior, 86, 129-137.