Cyberbullying
Kallie Ekwueme (EDIT 3318-D73)
Cyberbullying: The Issue
1 in 4 teens experience cyber bullying and the truth is if more parents would intervene then we could prevent a percentage of that from continuing. Cyber bullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. As technology is becoming more accessible for students, cyber dangers are began to become more common than not. Its now time for parents to step in and get involved in their children's internet sanctum and protect them from something that could lead to death.
Harmless, Maybe Not
The fact is sticks and stone may break their bones, but words can hurt them too. We have to stop assuming it's harmless and intervene. More than half of these cases could be stopped by simply intervening but 80% of the time no one believes its as serious enough to make a fuss about. Mean words can be very damaging to a student and it could happen at any time for any reason. Some causes could be:
- Revenge
- Jealousy
- Envy
- Ego
- Entertainment
These causes and others are are more common than not and could be triggered from something simple as having a quarrel with a friend or loved one.
http://d1pmarobgdhgjx.cloudfront.net/digitalcitizenship/DC_EmmasStory.mp4
Pathway to Pain
If no one intervenes when someone is being cyber bullied, there's a greater chance for something that could have been easy fixed lead to something that would take years of therapy, medication, or even death to realize just how serious it really was. Students who suffer from cyber bullying may:
- Commit suicide
- Harm someone else
- Become depressed
- Stressed
- Loss of confidence or self worth
Over 19,000 kids attempt suicide each year because of bullying alone.
Message Me (Cyberbullying Short Film)
What Can You Do
As stated earlier intervening is the best way to put an end to cyber bullying. Children standing up for other children is the single most powerful ways to stop cyber bullying. However there are a few other things that we as parents can do to help prevent cyber bullying as well.
- Awareness: teaching your children what it is and what to do when they see it being done to themselves or others would help with prevention. Stop, block, tell method is a great way to help your child play their part in prevention. Also teach them the consequences of being a cyber bully themselves and to respect others online and offline.
- Be Aware: monitoring the sites that your child visits and limiting their access to certain social media sites and the amount of time will also help with prevention. Let them know that they can come to you if they witness any cyber-bullying.
- Always Intervene: There is no such thing as a little harassment or a small threat. Both should be taken seriously no matter the circumstances because that child being bullied may seriously need help but afraid to speak up.
https://d1pmarobgdhgjx.cloudfront.net/parenttip/PT_Cyberbullying_Prevention_Guide_rebrand_2014.mp4
Taking Action
Cyber bullying is not a small matter and the nation has witness how effective it can be. That's why several states have created laws to prevent cyber bullying and to ensure that those who take part in it are dealt with. That's why its so important to teach your children about it to prevent these bullies from hiding behind their computer. As the government creates laws preventing it several support systems and sites have also been created to help those affected by it, currently dealing with it, and to simple educate everyone about it. Sites like Stopbullying.org who promotes the Stop, block, tell method have dedicated their whole cite to educating others about the dangers of cyber-bullying and the prevention actions.
Copyright Information
- http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/what_is_cyberbullying_exactly.html
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/cyberbullying-prevention-guide-for-kids
- http://tameshaveasley-cyberbullying.blogspot.com/2011/03/cause-and-effects-of-cyberbullying.html
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/emmas-story-cyberbullied-by-a-best-friend
- http://resources.uknowkids.com/victims-of-cyberbullying
- www.abolishbullyingcampaign.org
- https://fightcybercrimes.wordpress.com/
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/510314201498004899/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Az8JQwsO8