Kids and the Internet.
They connect to it. They download it.
They watch and listen to it. They surf on it. Unfortunately, they also bully other kids with
it.
What is it?
Cyberbullying is just what it sounds like.
It can mean sending derogatory insults or threats
in messages, often many of them. Sometimes it
involves the circulation of humiliating information
or pictures, or demeaning postings on web sites.
Whatever form it takes, cyberbullying is incredibly
hurtful to the people it targets.
Cyberbullies act just like bullies from past generations.
They pick on kids or even teachers, trying to
humiliate and intimidate them. But instead of
waiting around by the door after school, cyberbullies
do their damage via emails, text messages or Internet
web sites.
New "Tricks"
“It is like, totally anonymous,
so no one worries about getting in trouble.
Lots of kids would never do this stuff in
the ‘real world’”
- 13 year boy
Why do they do it?
Anonymity – no one can see them
and they can’t see the person they are
hurting.
It makes them feel powerful.
Easy - it takes just a few clicks
of the mouse.
It feels like an online game.
Bullies have quick access to private
spaces like kids’ emails, message boards
or MySpace profiles.
It is the cool thing to do
Devastating impact
Unlike bullying that used to take place under
the watchful gaze of teachers and parents,
cyberbullies are able to humiliate others behind
closed doors with just a click of the mouse.
The impact of cyberbullying can be even greater
than bullying in “real life” because
–
Online bullying can be extremely vicious
and mean.
Hurtful messages or words can be spread
quickly to hundreds of other people.
Kids may not know who is bullying them online,
creating a culture of fear and distrust among
peers.
Lots of bullied kids don’t tell adults
because they are embarrassed and/or don’t
want their online privileges taken away.
Cyberbullying can happen 24/7 so kids can
feel inundated by threats and taunting.
Bullies have access to kids’ private
spaces, making it feel like no place is safe.
Signs and signals.
Your child seems upset and/or anxious where
there doesn’t seem to be anything obvious
to be upset about—especially after using
their cellphone or computer.
Sudden change in group of friends or after
school activities.
Change in grades or school behavior.
Makes off-hand comments.
Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches,
or other stress related ailments.
“For a while I was scared to
check my email or my phone—I couldn’t
get away from it. I started skipping school
and stopped talking to a lot of my friends
because I didn’t know who it was.”
- 16 year girl
While the perils of the Internet
pose serious risks for kids, it is also a great
resource - as long as we can help kids understand
how to use it responsibly. We believe in the power of
parents.
Click here
for the tips and tools you need to keep your
kids safe online.
Our
media culture is changing how kids learn. Donate Now!
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