I am writing to ask for more programs in cyber-bullying awareness in our school. Often, teachers do not know when kids are being bullied on the Internet. As a result, they don’t even know how to address or solve the problem. The Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use says that two-thirds of school violence begins through social media. These kids might face failure in school, depression, violence and show bad behavior.

Question

It is hard for adults to understand how much kids today are online. Kids really identify with their social personality. Because technology is changing so much, teachers aren’t aware of what kids are up to. That makes it harder for teachers to relate to today’s kids. For example, not all teachers know that information about a student might be spread instantly among other students via texts or other message-sharing apps. A gossip can even go viral at a moment’s notice. The bullying can begin quickly, too.

There are some ways we can help solve the problem of cyber-bullying among students. Teachers can do team building activities so more kids interact with each other. Kids will get to know each other better. Kids who know one another will bully someone less. Another important action would be training teachers about social media and how students use it. A weekly information session on social media and sensitive use should be mandatory for children as well. Maybe many of us don’t even know about proper ways to use social media. I also think that technology should not be banned in school. Kids will use phones and apps anyway. Kids today should be taught how to use technology in a healthy way as a life skill.

Most importantly, teachers should have an open-door policy. They should make students feel that they can go to the teacher when they are facing or witnessing bullying. After all, students spend a lot of hours in school, and most bullying starts on school premises and continues online.

I hope you consider my suggestions.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Buchanan
Question
The word mandatory comes from Latin mandatorius. What does mandatory mean in paragraph 3?
Responses
A something one has to do, compulsorysomething one has to do, compulsory
B something that is a choice, voluntarysomething that is a choice, voluntary
C something only few can do, difficultsomething only few can do, difficult
D something everyone can do easilysomething everyone can do easily

Answer 1

In paragraph 3, the word "mandatory" means "something one has to do, compulsory." Therefore, the correct response is:

A. something one has to do, compulsory.