Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Cyberbullying is bullying through electronics; for example, mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures or videos posted online, or fake social media site profiles.
It was reported by Nobullying.com that 52 percent of teenagers report being cyber bullied and that 25 percent of teenagers report that they’ve experienced repeated cyberbullying. Most kids who are bullied through their electronics are most likely being bullied in person as well. Kids who are cyber bullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior since it can happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can reach a kid even when they are alone.
Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience, and deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts and pictures can also be difficult after they’ve been posted or sent.
According to Stopbullying.gov, kids who are the targets of bullying behavior often show characteristics that put them more at risk of being bullied, though not all children with these factors will be bullied. Sometimes, these children will often need help learning how to respond to bullying.
Characteristics may include kids who:
According to Stopbullying.gov, kids who engage in bullying behavior towards their peers often show many characteristics that may contribute to the child’s involvement in the behavior. Often, these students require support to change their behavior and to address other challenges that may be influencing their behavior.
Characteristics may include kids who:
There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying. Recognizing these signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.
Signs that your child may be subject to a problem with bullying include:
Kids may be bullying others if they:
Talking about bullying
Statistics show that only one in every 10 kids will tell an adult that they’ve been bullied.
Kids don’t tell adults for many reasons including:
Where and how to report cyberbullying:
Explain to your child that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having with bullying. Make sure to get all the facts and don’t forget to listen without blaming. States have laws and policies against bullying, so be sure to contact your child’s school if you feel your child is being harassed online by fellow students.
Schools can take measures to respond to specific cases, and most take it very seriously. Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and, in many states, schools are required to address cyberbullying in their anti-bullying policy.
Parents should report bullies to the social media sites since bullies often violate the company’s policies and terms and conditions.
Parents can also contact their local police, since cyberbullying is a crime when messages contain:
Next week we’ll discuss ways to prevent cyberbullying.
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