CyberBullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic devices (such as computers, cell phones, tablets, etc) and/or social media sites like twitter, facebook, snapchat, vine, etc. as well as traditional email and text messaging.
Unfortunately, several years ago students who were victims of bullies, could find refuge at home after the school day ended. Cyberbullying, however has not only extended the bully's reach to any hour of the day or night but also isolated the student into quiet corners of bedrooms and late night social media contexts where parents are often unaware of what is happening. The victim can be a victim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Another part that has a tremendous impact on the student victim is that it is very easy for one hurtful comment, terrible rumor or lie to be spread to tens or hundreds of others with the touch of one button. It is very difficult to delete these comments once they have been sent.
If you suspect that your child may be being bullied, please talk with them. Also, solicit the help of the school counselor or administrator if help is needed in the school environment. Print hard copy evidence of the emails, text messages (screen shot), facebook message, etc. Record times and dates that the comments were made and anyone that is suspected of being involved. Encourage your child to NOT respond and to block the sender when possible. While many students believe they have freedom of speech rights (funny how that part of history class stuck to their long-term memory), they might be surprised to know that the school may have the responsibility to suppress those rights when the cyber speech includes a threat, is lewd, vulgar or profane, or is disruptive to the school or the rights of others.
Unfortunately, several years ago students who were victims of bullies, could find refuge at home after the school day ended. Cyberbullying, however has not only extended the bully's reach to any hour of the day or night but also isolated the student into quiet corners of bedrooms and late night social media contexts where parents are often unaware of what is happening. The victim can be a victim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Another part that has a tremendous impact on the student victim is that it is very easy for one hurtful comment, terrible rumor or lie to be spread to tens or hundreds of others with the touch of one button. It is very difficult to delete these comments once they have been sent.
If you suspect that your child may be being bullied, please talk with them. Also, solicit the help of the school counselor or administrator if help is needed in the school environment. Print hard copy evidence of the emails, text messages (screen shot), facebook message, etc. Record times and dates that the comments were made and anyone that is suspected of being involved. Encourage your child to NOT respond and to block the sender when possible. While many students believe they have freedom of speech rights (funny how that part of history class stuck to their long-term memory), they might be surprised to know that the school may have the responsibility to suppress those rights when the cyber speech includes a threat, is lewd, vulgar or profane, or is disruptive to the school or the rights of others.
Research indicates that even just 15 minutes a day in conversation with your student can have a tremendous impact on your relationship and lead to many benefits including helping your child be prepared to address bullying situations. Check out the new mobile APP called "KnowBullying" created by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) It has some great suggestions about starting conversations with your teenagers while riding in the car, shopping for groceries or eating dinner. Click the button for a link to the stopbullying.gov website for more information on the mobile app and look for it in the app store you use.