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Cyber-Bullying — Parents Need To Be Aware
The latest generation, however, has been utilizing technology as a means to send messages and the number of cyber-bullying incidents have grown overwhelmingly, according to Kathleen Hatczel, assistant superintendent , Curriculum and Assessment.She reports that bullying occurs where teenagers "hang out" and says cyber- bullying should not come as a surprise because most teenagers have cell phones, instant message on the internet, participate in social networking sites such as Facebook or video-sharing sites such as YouTube, or play on video gaming sites. While not all teenagers are cyber-bullies, the statistics are alarming. • 2007 statistics by the National Crime Prevention Council indicate that 43 percent of surveyed middle and high school students say they have experienced some form of cyber-bullying in the past 12 months. (Current data is still being gathered.)• 42 percent of kids have been bullied online – one in four kids have had it happen more than once.• 21 percent of kids have received mean or threatening e-mail or other messages.• 58 percent have not told their parents about an online bullying incident.• 13 percent have been the subject of rumors online.• 14 percent have received mean or hurtful comments online.• 7 percent have had someone impersonate them online.• 8 percent report receiving a threatening cell phone text.• 5 percent have had a mean or hurtful picture posted.The issue of cyber-bullying is being addressed across the United States. Cyber-bullying is unacceptable in all forms. Parents are often not informed about these incidents because teens feel that their parents will make the situation worse. Teens need to know that their parents are a "trusted" place to go when things go wrong offline or online. Teens always need to know that they can go to their parents for unconditional support if they are victims of cyber-bullying. Prevention is important in cyber- bullying. Teaching teens about respect and taking a stand against bullying is helpful. Having consequences, such as losing privileges, limiting time online, and frequently monitoring activities, can hold teens accountable for their behavior. There should be guidelines to follow at all times. Some parents have even created an "Internet Use Agreement" or "Cell Phone Use Contract" with their teens where both the parents and the teens agree to abide by certain rules. In addition, teaching and reinforcing
values and morals that people should be treated with respect and dignity go a long way especially when started early and consistently with young children. Warning signs that might indicate when a teen is a victim of cyber-bullying include: • Unexpectedly stops using their computer or cell phone• Appears nervous or jumpy when an instant message or e-mail appears• Appears uneasy about going to school or outside• Appears angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer or cell phone• Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family membersSigns that a teen may be engaging in cyber-bullying behaviors include: • Quickly switching screens or closing programs when you walk by• Gets unusually upset if computer or cell phone privileges are restricted• Avoids discussion about what they were doing on the computer or cell phone• Appears to be using multipleonline accounts or an account that is not their own. In general, if a teen is acting in a way that is inconsistent with their usual behavior when using any technology device, it is probably a good time to find out why. |
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