Cyberbullying and Freedom of Speech
What U.S. Parents Can Do to Protect Teens While Online
Aug 11, 2009
As the number of teens and young children using the Internet rise, so are the incidents of cyberbullying. Though it is seen as inexcusable behavior and socially unacceptable, it is protected by the First Amendment. Since censoring or banning specific forms of online speech is not possible, it is up to parents to understand what cyberbullying is and how to protect their children.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the technology equivalent of playground or neighborhood bullying. There are no sticks or stones involved, however; the bullying is all on a psychological level. Children being bullied cannot go home and avoid the rumors or taunts; it is all waiting for them online as much as being spread at school or in social circles.
Social networking sites, such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, are prime locations for bullying comments. Kids, especially teens, use these services as ways to establish either who they are or who they want to be. These sites can also easily promote the common adolescent behavior of bullying.
Cyberbullying is not confined to Internet sites. Text messages can also become sources of unwanted, demoralizing comments.
How to Protect Teens From Cyberbullying
Parents are in a unique position in regards to their children's online behavior. Being involved in the behavior of children, including teens, when they are involved with the Internet or text messaging is not legally considered a violation of their free speech. It is parents' responsibility to educate children about acceptable behavior. This is similar to asking kids where they are going after school or where they have been when they return home.
Parents and other adults can monitor kids' digital activities through an active presence or by using monitoring software. It is important to be involved in their recreational activities, even when the child is a teen, in order to help them understand both their responsibilities as emerging adults and the consequences of their actions and decisions. Monitoring software can be useful for verifying activities while parents are not home, or to block sites deemed to be inappropriate.
It is also advisable to watch for signs of cyberbullying, whether the child is the victim or the bully. Keeping communication open and comfortable helps, but so does being actively involved in a kid's activities.
As children and teens increase their online presence, it is natural that typical human behaviors will follow them into the digital world. The First Amendment grants the freedom of speech, but parents have the authority to educate their children about acceptable behavior, both live and online.
References: “Free Speech and 'Cyber-bullying'”, “Protecting kids while protecting free speech”
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