|
|
Cyber Bullying
Playground bullies are likely to continue their aggressive behaviors when they go online, and the variety of digital tools in today's world make it easier than ever to spread rumors to large audiences in record time. It's no wonder that cyberbullying is one of the primary concerns parents have about their children's online world.
Cyberbullying is when a child uses digital tools – including computers, cell phones, and video games – to hurt, embarrass, or harass another child.
Some common examples of cyberbullying include:
- sending hateful, harassing, or threatening messages,
- distributing or posting embarrassing or digitally altered photographs/video of someone,
- creating cruel websites (some exist to berate a single individual, while others allow users to rate entire groups/classes), or
- stealing or changing another person's password and then manipulating his/her online profile.
Many professionals consider cyberbullying even more dangerous than traditional bullying for several reasons:
- The bullying can happen at any time, in any place...including a child's traditional safe havens. Cyberbullying can follow a child home.
- Because cyberbullies cannot physically see the pain and depression they are causing, their cruelty often goes further than it would in real life.
- Cyberbullying is public, which intensifies the pain it causes the victim.
If your child is a victim of cyberbullies, there are several steps you can take:
- A first step is to ignore the bully. Immediately delete messages or block the bully (most chatting software makes this possible). If the bullying continues, begin to save and document the harassing messages. These will be important if you decide to report the bully.
- Tell your child not to share passwords with friends. If someone hacks into your child's online profile, change the password immediately. If the bully blocks your child from the account, contact the company who runs the site immediately.
- Encourage your children to talk to you about cyberbullying without the fear that you will revoke their online privileges.
To learn how to report threatening emails, chat discussions, text messages, or hateful web sites, click here. It is important to save as much information as possible, and this exceptional resource gives step-by-step instructions. Once you gather evidence, you can turn it over to school officials, local law enforcement officials, Internet service providers, or web site moderators. You can also consult the Cyber 911 Tipline online.
To learn more about cyberbullying, visit the following links:
 |
Stop CyberBullying
This is among the best resources for cyberbullying. There are separate sections for kids, parents, and law enforcement officials. The kids' sections are divided into three age categories and include interactive quizzes. The four different types of cyberbullies are discussed, and the site also provides a link to The Megan Pledge, a movement to eliminate cyberbullying in honor of Megan Meier, a bullying victim.
|
 |
Net Bullies
An easy-to-read site with cyberbullying information for schools, parents, law enforcement officials, and kids.
|
|
CyberBully411
This site contains facts and myths about cyberbullying, and provides advice for cyberbullying victims. The site also hosts a discussion forum, where parents and kids can share their stories and seek advice from one another. |
 |
NetSmartz Cyber Bullying videos
Three excellent video clips - under two minutes each – to share with your children. Feathers in the Wind discusses the danger of gossip. You Can't Take it Back highlights the permanent nature of online activities. Broken Friendship warns about the risks of sharing passwords with friends. Links to related news stories are provided for each video topic; these true stories provide excellent starting points for family discussions about cyberbullying.
|
 |
National Crime Prevention Council
A thorough resource that defines cyberbullying, provides examples, and discusses its effects. Separate resources are available for When Your Child is Bullied and When Your Child is a Bully.
|
 |
Stop Bullying Now
An overall bullying resource that includes information about cyberbullying. The site includes twelve animated "webisodes" that address various types of bullying. (Webisode 5 specifically addresses cyberbullying.)
|
|
|
