CyberBullying
CyberBullying: 21st Century Style of Bullying
Cyberbullying can be defined as any ongoing intentionally negative communication that is directed at an individual or group of individuals conducted via electronic communication. This can be done through the use of any of today’s technology in the form of text messages, e-mails, instant messaging, social networking sites such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, Websites, sending or posting videos or pictures, or any other form of electronic communication. While cyberbullying is an issue that parents and schools must address, it is important to note that it is often accompanied by traditional methods of bullying.
This hurtful and sometimes harmful communication can follow a student 24/7 as many teens and tweens rarely disconnect. Students are often reluctant to report that they are a target of this behavior for fear of having their cell phone or computers taken away. The media has highlighted stories containing horrific outcomes when students who had been targets of bullying behavior retaliated in the schools.
Parents and caregivers need to be aware of warning signs that children might be a target of this behavior or are engaging in cyberbullying. Being extremely secretive with their use of technology, taking their cell phones to bed at night, refusing to go to school and any other unexplained change in behavior are just a few examples. Keep lines of communication is not private. An online social networking site is not the same as a diary kept under lock and key. Report suspected cases of cyberbullying to your school officials and do not hesitate to involve local law enforcement.
For more information on bullying go to:
Center for Safe Schools: http://www.safeschools.info/bullying-prevention
Federal Stopbullying: http://www.stopbullying.gov/