Dealing With Cyber-Bullying
What Teens and Parents Can Learn and Do About Cyber-Bullying
Nov 7, 2009
Today’s teens are facing new and more unobtrusive methods of bullying. It used to be that bullying was limited to face-to-face encounters. These days bullying can occur through the use of computers.
Cyber-bullying is personally attacking or intimidating someone through the use of a computer. This takes place in social networks or internet tools, such as:
- MySpace
- Emails
- Blogs
- Chat rooms
What Cyber-Bullying Looks Like
Sometimes the bullying is limited to hurtful, mean or malicious words. However, a trend that is quickly rising is using photographs to bully another. Private photographs or photos that have been altered are being used to humiliate other teens.
Cyber-bullying can also include pretending to be someone they are not in order to victimize another. There is never a 100% guarantee that someone on the other end is who they say they are. Teens need to be cautious about who they are emailing or chatting with.
The Dangers of Cyber-Bullying
The danger with cyber-bullying is that communication travels rapidly and is more widespread. Great damage can be done when malicious attacks are done through the internet. Not only do words cause damage but the use of photographs has caused people to either not get a job or lose a job. Employers will often look up a person online to learn about them. It can greatly damage a person’s reputation. Teens need to be reminded that once a picture is out there in “cyber-world,” it can’t be taken back.
Cyber-bullying has led to depression and even suicide. The dangers are very real and very prevalent.
What Teens Can Do About Cyber-Bullying
Teens who are victims of cyber-bullying can do something about it. These tips will help:
- Never respond to an attack, whether it's through email or in a chat room. Responding only ignites the problem.
- Tell someone about it. Teens need to know that they can go to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, etc.) and share what is going on.
- Print any offensive or malicious messages. Teens should have proof about what is taking place.
- Put up blocks on email senders or "friends" in social networks.
What Parents Need To Do
Parents are oftentimes the last to know. So here are some tips to guide you in discussing cyber-bullying with your teen:
- If your teen indicates a problem, take it seriously. Never dismiss it as "kids just being kids."
- Talk to your teen regularly about cyber-bullying, what it is and the steps (as mentioned above) a teen can take in dealing with it.
- Discuss the importance of your teen not taking part in any type of cyber-bullying, which includes being both an instigator and someone who stands by and does nothing about another being bullied.
Cyber-bullying is a serious issue that can lead to serious problems. Teens need to be aware of steps that can be taken to deal with cyber-bullying; therefore, open communication is important. Parents need to be aware of potential problems and deal immediately with any suspicion of cyber-bullying.
References
Internet Safety - Cyber Bullying
Preventing Cyberbullying - Top Ten Tips for Parents
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