Cyberbullying

Kids bullying kids no longer just involves physical abuse. Cyberbullying is becoming a major issue among children and young adults. With the increasing use of technology at younger and younger ages, parents need to be aware of the dangers that come with the access of information and ability to communicate with each other. Cyberbullying is harassment or bullying through technology sources, such as the Internet, instant messaging, social networking sites, and cell phones. There are many different types of cyberbullying, all with negative effects. Two main types are physical threats and rumor spreading. 

Cyberbullying usually is not a one time occurrence. Once a child has been victim to bullying, it keeps happening. What bullies don't realize is that while one minute they're the bully, the next minute they can be the victim. It is questionable why kids decide to bully one of their peers. Usually the act is motivated by anger, frustration, or revenge. Some do it because they get bored and "have nothing better to do". Others do it to boost their ego, or to fit in. In a few cases kids think they are righting a wrong, or even standing up for someone else, when really they're just causing more pain and suffering.

The STOP Cyberbullying website provides information about what cyberbullying is, how to recognize it, and what to do once someone has realized bullying has occurred. It also provides methods of prevention. One tool is Ms. Parry's Guide to Correct Online Etiquette, or Netiquette. For three different age groups the online guide provides a type of checklist for kids to follow to make sure they are using technology properly. The main point of the list is to help kids really think about what they are doing before they do it. A lot of cyberbullying is impulse action, so when kids are properly educated on how to solve issues in a mature fashion then no one gets hurt. The website also provides useful information for parents, teachers, and law enforcement officials on how to deal with specific types of cyberbullying. Suggestions on what to say, when to say it, and when to take further action with getting other adults involved to help solve the problem are all provided. The Kids Health Organiztion provides five easy ways to help your child become "Bully-Proof". These steps are all about talking to your child and helping them understand why other kids decide to bully. NetSmartz Workshop also has multiple videos that help educate parents and kids. The specific video provided by the link helps teach parents what's going on in the technological part of their kids lives. Other videos show proper Netiquette and how to block someone on a social network site.

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that has caused multiple people to become traumatized and even commit suicide. About one-third of online teens have been cyberbullied in some form. Parents need to become educated in how to help their children become aware of this issue and how to help stop it from continuing to grow in our world of technology.