Cyber Bullying – Education & Prevention

“Online aggression isn’t just traditional bullying with new tools. It’s widespread, devastating, and knows no downtime” (Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin).  With technology becoming cheaper, easier to gain access to, and a way for constant communication between children and parents, it is leading to “new age” security problems with children and teens

Teens are staying connected through technology for longer periods through the day and this connection is not only with friends and for positive communication, but some communication is being used for negative communication amongst peers.  There are more inappropriate pictures being posted for mass viewing and intimidation through words without thought of harm being caused.  It is easier to say something behind someone’s back versus face-to-face.  Now that something being said behind someone’s back can be posted and spread farther than down the school hallway. Cyber bullying is a very destructive form of communication that leads to depression, isolation, mental anguish and can even lead to suicide in teens and young adults.

It is up to parents, teachers, mentors and leaders of the community to educate cyber bullies about the lasting harm and consequences they can cause.  Acknowledging the problem, educating and communicating the issues in classroom, and cyber security software are needed to help combat the continuing problem.  We must develop and implement plans to protect the young people from harming themselves and others through cyber bullying.  In the schools, all students need to understand that any form of bullying is wrong and that there are specific consequences for any bullying.  Since most schools have computer labs or computer workstations, there needs to be physical postings by all computers and educators should engage students in what involves cyber bullying.  Schools and police departments could create a hotline or another anonymous way for people to report cyber bullying without retaliation or exposure.  Schools should reach out to churches, youth groups, such as the Girls and Boys Clubs and other after school programs as an opportunity to educate but also they provide another safe place victims of cyber bullying can talk.  A safe place that kids can share their stories and learn tools on how to cope and get help.

As the old African proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”.  If cyber bullying is taken seriously; education readily available and consequences clearly communicated by schools, police, churches, and other youth support groups, it may be possible to slow down or even put a stop to this devastating use of technology.

References

Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J.W. (2011).  High-Tech Cruelty.  Educational Leadership, 68(5) 48-52

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_said_it_takes_a_village_to_raise_a_child