Closing Statement

You have finished reading a variety of cases involving different aspects of communication. The Internet, cell phones, and all methods of electronic contact were never intended to be used as weapons. However, as you have seen, there are consequences— sometimes severe ones—for those who carelessly use or abuse modern technology.

• What, if anything, have you learned from these stories?
• Are you surprised by the outcomes of some of the cases? Which ones, and why?
• Were you aware that a simple online post or text message could have such far-reaching effects?
• Do you feel that the courts fairly balanced the issues in each case? If not, which cases do you feel were handled unfairly and why?
• Should courts become more involved with the daily activities at school? Why or why not?
• Are you surprised by the number of decisions in favor of the student—even when a student’s speech was offensive or inappropriate? If so, which decisions surprised you and why?
• Do you think courts do all they can to protect students’ individual rights? Why or why not?
• Were you surprised to learn that teachers have rights, too, and can sue a student for injuries and loss?

The responsibility of the judicial system is to strengthen the First Amendment and avoid disturbing the exercise of speaking freely. Protecting this freedom for young people in the digital age requires a delicate balance between student speech and the rights of others. As you now know from these cases, courts disagree and decisions can go one way or another. As one federal judge wrote in 2009, “when it comes to student cyberspeech, the lower courts are in complete disarray.” It won’t be long before the U.S. Supreme Court steps in and provides direction in this new era.

Until then, keep these cases in mind and, in the words of The Stop Cyberbullying Pledge, remember to always think before you click.