What exactly is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a recent twist on the classic issue that has pervaded our schools and playgrounds. It takes the form of a child or adolescent being targeted through the Internet, texts, and other means of technology. An important distinction is that cyberbullying must be conducted between two minors; otherwise, it becomes cyberharrassment. Although cyberbullying was not originally approached with the appropriate level of gravitas, it has now taken the main stage as a serious concern.

Formerly, a bully had to deal with repercussions: pressure to adhere to social norms, gained notoriety and disrespect from peers and adult figures, and probably guilt at seeing the reaction of the bullied. Now, as more children are increasingly involved with Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, and numerous blogging websites, others can publicly criticize the subject in an arena that guarantees anonymity, a lack of consequences, and no confrontation.

Several tools are now available, appropriately enough, online. These are intended to educate both parents and kids on how to approach cyberbullying and methods of preventing and dealing with the aftereffects. Two resource, www.stopcyberbullying.org and www.cyberbullyhelp.com provide helpful information and guidelines for dealing with and preventing cyberbullying.

Stop Cyberbullying recommends parents to be proactive with both the bullies and the victims. The website states, “Educating the kids about the consequences (losing their ISP or IM accounts) helps. Teaching them to respect others and to take a stand against bullying of all kind helps too.” Essentially, it is important that kids realize that self-respect is actualized through not only abstaining from bullying and demeaning comments, but also through defending the victims and lending themselves as a support group to the target. Parents also need to be conscientious of finding a balance between apathy and overreacting. While expanding the resources of the target is key (e.g. contacting the guidance counselor, a present religious figure, or family counselor), an immediately antagonistic reaction is not helpful. Angrily confronting the school, the other parents, or even the child creates a new problem and additional shame for the child.

It also advocates being aware of your rights and the law. Two things that should never be tolerated are the posting of personal information and harmful threats. These can and should be taken to a local law enforcement agency in the form of print-outs, and if possible, electronic evidence and live data. Parents can also provide the resource www.WiredSafety.org, if the local law enforcement is not aware of how to properly provide protection and a solution.

CyberBullyHelp encourages parents to have conversations with their child concerning the responsibilities that come along with new pieces of technology, such as phones or online access. Emphasizing the potential fallout of cyberbullying can effectively decrease the number of cyberbullies – children who may not have considered the damage they could induce would now be wiser.

These resources are recommended for all parents, and can be used to stimulate a healthy dialogue with their child.