Not only is the issue of cyberbullying a huge distraction for teachers, but parents are now joining in on internet related incidents regarding their children. Phil Lewis, an Adelaide high school principle and representative for Catholic principals in South Australia testified before the joint select committee on cyber-safety.

Lewis stated, “They get on Facebook and tackle the person involved,” and “It becomes very complicated when that happens.”

Lewis detailed how the schools use filters and other technological safeguards on their own networks. However, new technology and the ability of mobile phones to access the internet and social networking sites present a challenge to school administrators. It makes cyberbullying terribly easy and difficult to stop.

Schools are often caught in a conundrum due to the fact that the instances of cyberbullying may begin at school and then be perpetuated elsewhere.

Representatives from the Australian University Cyber-bullying Research Alliance said that “cyberbullying is more of a relationship problem that required educational rather than a legal or technological response.”

Associate professor Marilyn Campbell said, “You cannot legislate against someone being mean.” According to the Alliance, children should be taught how to use technology ethically and responsibly and not simply punished for their behavior.