When a child or teen is harassed, tormented, threatened, embarrassed or humiliated by another minor through the Internet or other digital technologies such as mobile phones, it’s called cyberbullying. As most parents know, it has become increasingly prevalent in this digital age, with children taking each other’s lives and their own after being involved in an incident of cyberbullying. The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools encourages parents to educate themselves about this issue and take action to ensure that their children are not involved, either as the ones carrying out the bullying or the victim.
Cyberbullying is limited only by the child’s imagination and ability to access technology. Their methods vary and kids frequently change roles, from victim to bully and back again. Kids may cyberbully each other because they are bored, angry, frustrated or seeking revenge. They may think that it’s funny or may do it by accident, sending a message to the wrong person. Power-hungry kids may look to bolster their own egos. Some may start out by defending themselves from traditional bullying and find out that they enjoy being the “tough” guy or girl. Others may think that they are righting a wrong and standing up for others.
It’s important to educate yourself about this issue and talk to your kids about consequences, setting ground rules such as losing use of their online accounts or mobile phones. It’s also crucial to teach your kids to respect one another and to stand up against bullying. There are numerous online sources that can provide information, but a good place to start is at stopcyberbullying.org, a program of the Wired Safety Group.
Watch NSBA Discuss School Bullying
