Cyber Bullying

Cyber Bullies, by Teri Brown. Retrieved July 27, 2010 from http://includes.iparenting.com/layout/article_print.php?aid=974&type=1

Cyber bullying is a “silent persecution sent by e-mail, text messaging, cell phones and Web pages”. The most troubling aspect of cyber bullying is the anonymity of it. Cyber bullies operate in a world of no confrontation, with very little chance of getting caught. Most of all, cyber bullies don’t have to see anyone’s face. According to this article, one of the newer ways to cyber bully is to use a camera phone. A picture of the victim is altered in an unflattering manner, then it is posted on specially set up Web sites.

There are steps to take to stop cyber bullying, and the first step is open communication. Victims of cyber bullying need to tell their parents, and once the parents know, it is important that the parent not blame the child who is getting bullied. Many times when the child is getting bullied, the parents might take away the cell phone thinking that this will solve the problem, but instead the child thinks they are being punished. What the parents need to do is to teach their child never to give out personal information online. Also, it is important that tweens and teens not to share their passwords and user names. Most important, victims should never answer harassing messages. Parents should also be aware that blocking software for emails and instant messaging is available. Victims of cyber bullying working with their parents and school personnel have the best chance of not suffering from cyber bullying.