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What is Cyberbullying? The Ohio State of Education defines cyberbullying as "repetitive, hostile behavior with the intent to harm others through the use of information and communication technologies such as Web sites, instant messages, camera phones or Ipods (sic)." The developments in modern day technology have allowed bullying to reach a whole new level. Youngsters of this generation are more tech-savvy then ever; many have their own computer or cell phone by junior high. This has enabled bullying to occur on a more consistent basis, as victims cannot escape the abuse when they lave school. Cyberbullying can occur in a variety of ways. Some bullies harass others by sending mass texts to classmates that contain hurtful messages or unflattering images of their victims. The internet has also become a forum for bullies, since e-mails, instant messaging, chat rooms, and popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter can be used to spread damaging information. Some web sites are created solely for the purpose of harassing another person. Instigators generally convince other classmates to get involved as well. With today's technology, a message or image can be spread throughout the digital world within seconds and remain there indefinitely. This constant barrage of insults and rumors can be unbearable to some victims, and a lifetime of consequences may ultimately follow the victim, the bully, and the people around them. Why Teen Cyberbully There are many reasons why people cyberbully. Because it can be anonymous, people feel safer in these environments and more uninhibited. They are more likely to say or do things that they would not say in face-to-face conversation because there is a lesser chance of being caught. This also may push the victims themselves to bully, as a way to carry out revenge on those who have hurt them in the past. Additionally, current technology allows information to act on impulse, a bully might carry out his or her plan of humiliation without first thinking about the consequences. Again, once the image or message is sent out into cyberspace, it is most likely there for good. Unfortunately, bullies may have no legitimate reason for harassing a classmate. A survey conducted by the Ophelia Project, an organization that focuses its efforts on addressing issues of aggression and promoting safe social environments, showed that the number one reason that children bullied was for entertainment purposes. While bullying is not new- especially among school-aged children- cyberbullying is occurring more frequently because of young people's proficiency with technology. Humiliating messages and images are not limited or contained to a group of people or even to a certain time period, so it is almost impossible for a victim to escape cyberbullying. Regulating Cyberbullying With the recent suicides of children affected by cyberbullying, state governments have begun to crack down on the issue. Laws have been passed to enforce anti-cyberbullying policies on school property, and some states, like Arkansas and New Jersey in 2007, have attempted to take it a step further by punishing cyberbullies who have committed the attacks outside school hours. In order to deter potential bullies and prevent cyberbullying from taking place, Ohio schools attempt to monitor student internet use through searches of computer records, which can be considered similar to locker searches. In addition, education of students, staff, and parents on the matter is emphasized in order to make people more aware of what constitutes cyberbullying. Earlier this year, a bill was introduced in the Ohio House and Senate that would allow schools to have more power against cyberbullies on or off school grounds. Warning Signs: A child may be a victim of cyberbullying if he or she........
What You Can Do to Help:
For more information, visit http://www.cyberbullying.us
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