What is cyberbullying?
"Cyberbullying" is when a child is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or targeted by another child using the Internet, mobile phone, or other type of digital technology. Sending messages, spreading rumors, breaking into a person's account to send messages, and sending unflattering pictures of someone without their consent are all examples of cyberbullying. This type of bullying has the potential to spread quickly and easily through technological devices and means of communication. Furthermore, it allows many people to join in on bullying, causing the victim to have multiple perpetrators at any given time.
What's the problem with it?
Bullying, harassment, and stalking associated with the use of digital technology is a serious problem. Although it does not always break the law, the severity and potential threats can lead to criminal charges. As of 2012, all but two states have law enforcement against bullying, with 35 with distinct language against bullying in a technological format. Legally, cyberbullying has the potential to fall under many charges including but not limited to: harassment, trespassing, threatening, stalking, assault, defamation of character, and possible accessories of murder depending on the outcome of the bullying. Each of these charges are punishable by the law, and may remain on a child's sealed, personal legal record even if they are under the age of 18 at the time of the offense. The people who are convicted of cyberbulling can face many of these lifelong repercussions. However, even more important than legality, is the effect it can have on someone's life. According to http://cyberbullying.us/blog/bullying-law-summary-fact-sheet-updated.html, cyberbullying can lead to emotional problems including anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Outcomes such as this are irreversible, and can permanently change someone's life.
Tips for Students!
1. It starts with you! Be careful what you say, write, and do. Although it seems harmless or "funny" at the time, if it has the potential to hurt someone's feelings, it is wrong.
2. If you feel that you have been the victim of cyberbullying, do not be afraid to discuss it with your parents, teachers, counselors, or any other adults in your life. Adults are there to provide you with help and support.
3. If you notice that one of your friends is being bullied in any way, including through digital technology, do not be afraid to stand up and defend them in their struggles. Encourage them to tell an adult. Most importantly, be sure to provide the emotional support that you would want in that position.
2. If you feel that you have been the victim of cyberbullying, do not be afraid to discuss it with your parents, teachers, counselors, or any other adults in your life. Adults are there to provide you with help and support.
3. If you notice that one of your friends is being bullied in any way, including through digital technology, do not be afraid to stand up and defend them in their struggles. Encourage them to tell an adult. Most importantly, be sure to provide the emotional support that you would want in that position.
Teachers, educate yourself.
1. Realize that you are more than just an educator. Learn how kids connect and collaborate through the digital world and present a justifiable set of guidelines for communication in this setting.
2. If you recognize that students are bullying or being bullied, attempt to discuss the situation with them. Point out the problems associated with cyberbullying, how to prevent these actions from recurring again in the future, and discuss the importance of technology etiquette in the digital world.
3. Set the example for an attitude of acceptance, love and kindness. Instilling this culture in your classroom promotes and encourages this type of behavior elsewhere.
2. If you recognize that students are bullying or being bullied, attempt to discuss the situation with them. Point out the problems associated with cyberbullying, how to prevent these actions from recurring again in the future, and discuss the importance of technology etiquette in the digital world.
3. Set the example for an attitude of acceptance, love and kindness. Instilling this culture in your classroom promotes and encourages this type of behavior elsewhere.
Parents beware.
1. Create a community awareness about cyberbullying. Make sure your children are aware of what it consists of, how to prevent it, and how to stop it. Guidance and understanding about cyberbullying is something that can be taught from a young age and at home in a safe, secure setting.
2. If your child exhibits victim signs, step in and talk to the bullies parents. This is the support your child needs to get over this hiccup in life.
3. Be your child's support system no matter what! Build their self esteem and teach them how to handle bullying in the future.
2. If your child exhibits victim signs, step in and talk to the bullies parents. This is the support your child needs to get over this hiccup in life.
3. Be your child's support system no matter what! Build their self esteem and teach them how to handle bullying in the future.
Links of Love
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying
http://www.marbellafamilyfun.com/fight-cyberbullying.html
http://www.halton.ca/cms/one.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=30546