This trend has seen two teachers pushed to the edge of sanity and subsequently fired for their outbursts (Melanie Smith, "Cyberbaiting: A New Teen Trend That Humiliates Teachers," TakePart.com, Dec. 8, 2011).

The temptation to misuse technology as it becomes easily portable and accessible everywhere is significant. Of course, teachers must take care to not become quickly riled, and some who become completely unhinged may well show themselves unfit to be teachers. But many people can be caught losing it if intentionally ambushed.

The Christian approach is to imagine how each of us would feel if others treated us the way we intend to treat them. Would we want our worst moments recorded and shared? How would we feel if someone egged us into an angry outburst? The Bible speaks against setting traps for others (Psalms 38:12; Psalms 54:5-6; Psalms 119:110; Psalms 140:5; 141:9-10; Proverbs 26:27; Jeremiah 5:26).

Teachers and students are sometimes at odds, but respect for those in authority is a part of good character (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:17). If we develop respect for others, we are building a foundation for respecting God and His will for us. Of course, truly abusive authority on the part of teachers should be reported to parents and school administration.