Cyberbullying - Detecting It - Preventing It - Stopping It
Our children are faced with many obstacles as they grow up. The advent and explosion of digital media (computers and cell phones) can be a blessing, and a curse. Sadly, the playground or school yard bully has taken a new form due in part to the Internet, social networking sites, cell phones and other technology have brought a newer, stronger and more damaging bully to our children... the "Cyberbully". Bullying is not new but thanks to the Internet teens are now being bullied at home. Online harassment is a serious problem. When bullying comes home via the Internet and/or cell phone, it can leave victims feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
We hope the information found on this page will help you detect, prevent and stop cyberbullying.
Please feel free to contact us to report cyberbullying or to help you speak to your children, school class, or civic group on this very important topic.
Thank You.
Young people are using the Internet more than ever and most have Internet access from home. For many children, the Internet isn't simply a convenient way to research or a fun afterschool activity - it's a big part of their social life. Emailing and chatting with friends are children's most common online activities, after studying and playing games. But like many other social situations, some kids bully other kids online.
A child may be cyberbullying others if he or she...
- Quickly switches screens or closes programs when you walk by.
- Uses the computer at all hours of the night.
- Gets unusually upset if they cannot use the computer.
- Laughs excessively while using the computer.
- Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer.
- Uses multiple online accounts or is using an account that is not their own.
A child may be a victim of cyberbullying if he or she...
- Unexpectedly stops using the computer.
- Appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant Message, text message or E-mail appears.
- Appears uneasy about going to school or outside in general.
- Appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer.
- Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer.
- Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members.