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Cyber-bullying: A Disturbing New Trend
By Rebecca McCullough
Youth today are the generation of "ing" - texting, instant messaging, tweeting, and social networking. Technology is second nature to them and even preschoolers venture into cyberspace with WebKinz toys and educational games. Cell phones, webcams, digital cameras and social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and YouTube have given youth new ways to express themselves, stay connected, make new friends, and explore the world.
But these innovations also present new dangers that are not always taken seriously. Sexual predators visit online chat rooms and social networking sites gathering personal information putting youth at greater risk. Technology has also expanded the reach and harm associated with bullying and created “Cyberbullying.”
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another youth using computers, cell phones or other electronic devices. It has moved bullying from school hallways to cyberspace, putting youth at greater risk at school, home and on the web.
The cyberbully may use a computer to send harassing emails or instant messages, post obscene messages to online bulletin boards, develop Web pages with offensive content or send malicious text messages via cell phone. Cell phone and digital cameras are a growing problem, as 10% of 770 youth surveyed in 2008 reported being made to feel “threatened, embarrassed or uncomfortable” by a photo taken of them. Temporary email accounts and screen names allow electronic bullies to remain virtually anonymous and make it difficult to identify them. Various sources report that 45%-75% of all cyberbullying incidents originate in chat rooms, but Facebook and MySpace may soon surpass them as the top source of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is a very serious issue because youth do not see it as a danger. Since it is not face-to-face contact, youth may say or do something they would not have the courage to do in person. Some teens do it as a joke, and fail to realize the lasting effect it can have on the person being bullied.
What are the Consequences?
Cyberbullying can lead to suicide. A 2008 research study conducted by the National Crime Prevention Center revealed that 20% of teens studied had seriously thought about suicide and those who had experienced cyberbullying were twice as likely to have attempted suicide. Phoebe Prince, 15, of South Hadley, MA recently hanged herself after being bullied by a group of girls who taunted her with text messages and on Facebook.
Can cause psychological problems and increases level of embarrassment for victims. Some students find it necessary to change schools in order to escape the humiliation. In the past, a small group may have been aware of a particular action. But with technology the entire school will be aware of embarrassing videos on YouTube, malicious text messages or sexting encounters.
Can Increase Partner Violence. IM, MySpace, and Facebook are added tools to control another person. The internet makes it possible to see who partners are talking to, and what they are saying. This can lead to increased jealousy, violence and abuse.
What can parents do?
Parents must be vigilant and diligent about their children’s use of the internet. A recent research study by the National Crime Prevention Center revealed that over 40% of all teenagers with internet access reported being bullied during the past year, but only 10% of those kids told their parents. Talk to your kids about what they are doing in cyberspace, be clear about what you consider appropriate “electronic” behavior, and limit their time spent online and on the phone. Check out your teen’s MySpace and Facebook pages from time to time and see what they are posting. Cyberbullying can also lead to offending youth being charged with identity fraud or registering as sex offenders that will have lifelong consequences.
In a recent online survey by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens said that parents most influenced their decisions about sex, love and relationships. Continue to talk to your kids – they may not appear to be listening, but they are hearing more than you think. For more information, visit www.cyberbullying.us or www.thewomenscentersc.com.
Rebecca McCullough
If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-hour HOTLINE at 508-999-6636.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
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