A New Kind of Bullying: What is Cyberbullying? by Lynn E. Marcks Remember all the good things we do as parents to influence the positive character of our children? Everything adults do influence the character of a child. This includes the way we talk; the behavior we model; the conduct we tolerate; and the expectations and goals we portray. Parents of teenagers are now meeting a new kind of bullying called “cyberbullying.” What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the new electronic means of hurting, harassing, embarrassing, threatening, and disrespecting our teenage children. It is difficult enough to control bullying on the school grounds, on the bus, or in sporting competitions. But, electronically, it is a whole new battle. Cell phones and computers are being used by bullies to send threatening and harassing messages. These messages may be related to gender, socio-economic conditions, ethnicity, academic achievement, and family home life environment. Cyberbullying includes hate related name calling, spreading rumors, creating threats of violence, posting disrespectful lists, saying racial slurs, sending sexual comments, and providing links to unwanted web sites. On the computer, a user may wear any mask to portray whoever they want to be. Teenagers often respond to messages thinking that the message is from a new friend---or from an old friend using a new name. It is often hard to recognize cyberbullying until an outright attack occurs. What can parents do about cyberbullying? The most powerful thing we as adults can do to help our teenaged children is to love our children and spend time together with them. Here are six ideas to address cyberbullying with your teenager: · Learn how to use the electronic devices that your teenager is using. Know the capabilities of the cell phone, email system, and internet access. Your teenager will be proud to show you how everything works! · Keep the lines of communication open. Make a point everyday to spend some quality “talking time” with your child. When something affects our children, we want to know about it in order to keep our children safe. · Monitor and know who your child’s friends are. Who do they talk to on the cell phone or the computer? Always keep telephone numbers for friends in your phone book. · Be aware of what your teenager does on-line. Do they have their own website, visit chat rooms, or use instant messaging? If so, have you visited these sites? · Encourage proper phone and computer etiquette. Things that are not said or written off-line should also not be said or written on-line. Remind your teenager that anyone can read anything at anytime. · Trust your teenager to make good decisions. You are helping your teenager develop good character traits! This article may be reproduced and distributed by educational and / or nonprofit organizations as long as credit is given to Lynn E. Marcks, nIc Foundation, Inc., |