This week's topic: Kids & Cyberbullies
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Bullying
Host: Bullying is a big concern for most parents and should be taken very seriously. As technology has become a day-to-day facet in our lives, the incidents of cyber bullying have developed into a frequently occurring phenomenon and schoolyard taunts now spill over to the Internet. We have back with us today Jim Clark, licensed social worker and President and CEO of daniel memorial, to provide us with some tips for helping to prevent this new form of bullying. Good morning Jim! Thank you for joining us this morning.
Jim: Thanks Adam! I’m glad to be here again. This is such a serious issue that many parents are unaware of. Traditional methods of bullying have taken a turn for the worse and kids are now being bombarded in their own home via the Internet. The National Cyber Security Alliance recently found that less than 25% of educators feel comfortable talking about Internet safety with their students and only 22% reported that their parents had discussed online dangers with them. Recently, there have been some high-profile cyber bullying cases in the news, some that have even resulted in suicide. Although some new laws have been passed, it’s still extremely important to discuss this growing issue with your child.
Host: What exactly is cyber bullying and how can parents identify if their child is being harassed?
Jim: The Cyberbullying Research Center defines cyber bullying as “when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online or picks on another person through e-mail or text messages.” It can range from rumors, to threats, to negative comments, and even include digital photos. With the rise of popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, it’s very hard for these kids to escape harassment. Information and pictures posted online can reach a larger audience faster than more traditional bullying methods, causing an even greater and lasting amount of damage.
Parents can look for some tell-tale signs that their child is being bullied both in and out of school:
(1) Unexpectedly stops using the computer
(2) Appears nervous or jumpy whenever they receive an IM, text message, or Email
(3) Child is evasive when asked about Internet activity
(4) Appears uneasy or frustrated after using the computer
(5) Child always clears out Internet “History” folder and deletes files
(6) Less attentive in school or appears uneasy about going to school in general
(7) Failing grades
(8) Changes in eating habits or frequent stomachaches
(9) Child is openly fearful when friends or social life are brought up
(10) Emotional distance from family and friends
Host: Can parents do anything to help prevent cyber bullying?
Jim: Unfortunately, the Internet provides bullies with anonymity so it can be harder to identify who is harassing your child and most schools have no formal disciplinary response to this new threat. Although this is beginning to change, it’s still important to be there for your child and discuss the dangers early on. Most children won’t tell their parents about incidences of bullying because they are afraid their parent will “overreact” and make things worse by calling the school or limiting their Internet privileges. Others worry that their parents won’t react at all. It’s easy to give your child the “sticks and stones may break your bones” speech but cyber attacks can easily wound your child and have a lasting effect on their psyche. If your child is being bullied, then your actions need to escalate as the threat and hurt to your child does.
(1) Let the school know so that a guidance counselor is aware of the situation and can monitor your child’s in-school activities.
(2) If there is any indication that personal contact information has been posted, immediately go to your local law enforcement agency. Preserve any electronic evidence of harassment. WiredSafety.org is a free nonprofit service that provides volunteers to work with both parents and police. It’s important to remember that your child is at risk for other online predators when their personal information is posted.
(3) Also, in terms of working with your child- encourage him/her to put down the mouse and step away from the computer. Offer to go do a favorite activity with them that will not only get them out of the house but also take their mind off of the harassment.
Host: Thanks Jim! For more information on how to prevent cyber bullying and other advice, please visit danielkids.com or news4jax.com.
Note: Links:
http://www.WiredSafety.org
http://www.cyberbully.org/
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