SARA MEENAN SECTION 7 Cyberbullying

The definition of cyberbullying: “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. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment of cyberstalking.” (Aftab)

Examples of Cyberbullying Malicious rumor spreading Sending mean or threatening s, instant messages or texts (National) Tricking the victim into telling personal or embarrassing facts about themselves and then forwarding the information on to others (National) The s or texts demean the child or contains lewd language (Aftab) A child posing as another child online and posting rude comments, making threats to someone else or registering the child’s name and setting up a “bash” website or profile (Aftab)

The Results of Cyberbullying Children have suffered psychological ramifications – even resulting in suicide. It is important for parents and school officials to become involved in the prevention of cyberbullying by fostering awareness and education for children, school staff and parents. Part of the education process is to make clear what cyberbullying is, give specific examples, and include the fact that texting with a cell phone is included. (Hinduja)

The Results of Cyberbullying YOU’RE FAT!!! NOONE LIKES YOU!! SLUT!!!

The Results of Cyberbullying

Laws Concerning Cyberbullying Until recently, laws preventing cyberbullying were difficult to enact because of citizens’ First Amendment Right to the Freedom of Speech (Hinduja) Enforcement of laws and regulations is difficult due to the anonymous nature of the Internet As a result of a recent case at Rutgers University in New Jersey wherein a student committed suicide after two fellow students allegedly web-casted video of him having sexual encounters in his dorm room, Senator Frank Lautenberg has proposed legislation to deal with such cyberbullying cases (Hamill)

Technological Aspects Difficult to track the origin or author of the with privacy laws interfering with the revealing of same (Aftab) People are constantly circumventing security measures created to protect Internet users (Hinduja)

What Schools Can Do: Educate students, parents and staff through assemblies, inclusion in course curriculum, articles on the School District’s website Create a safe and confidential system where students who are being victimized can report the incidences to a staff member Have policies in place with clear guidelines as far as the punishment and consequences of any student caught cyberbullying another student on school grounds or while attending school sponsored functions. Make sure parents are aware of the policies as well (Hinduja) Ask parents and students to sign an AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) stating that the students will not use computers to harass other students (Promote)

What Parents Can Do: Take bullying very seriously, both cyber and face-to-face. Do not minimalize the actions as a right of passage or have a “kids will be kids” response (National) Keep the computer out in the open in a common space of the home so they can be aware of what their child is seeing on the computer (Hinduja) Know who their children’s friends are and what socializing is done on a daily basis Keep communication open and be non-judgmental so if they do experience any form of cyberbullying, they will feel safe confiding in their parents (Promote) Educate their children on Internet safety including never opening s or texts from someone they do not know and never share personal information online (National) Save any bullying s and texts for investigative purposes (National)

What Can Parents Do (Continued) Make sure children understand that this is a serious matter and they should not try to deal with it on their own (Hinduja) Watch for signs of behavioral change in their children that might indicate that they are being cyberbullied including withdrawal, drop in grades, avoidance of the computer or school and other activities, quickly changing computer screens when someone walks into the room, and depression (National) Report incidences of cyber bullying to law enforcement authorities Use online sources to educate their children about cyberbullying such as McGruff the Crime Dog and games on anti-cyberbullying websites (National)

References Aftab, Parry, Esq., Wired Kids, Inc. Telling the Difference Between Cyberbullying and Harrassment and Cyberstalkinghttp:// Hinduja, Sameer, and Justin Patchin. "Cyberbullying: Identification, Prevention, and Response." (). Print. Kristen Hamill, October 7, 2010 National center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence. N.p., Web. 15 Nov National Crime Prevention Council, 2001 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 901, Arlington, VA. 2010,