http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3nRSKDlvJk
Cyber bulling is where the bully uses cell phones, instant messages, e-mail, chat rooms, or social networking sites such as Face book and twitter to harass, threaten or intimidate someone. Cyber bulling can include such as making treat, sending provocative insults or racial or ethnic slurs, gay bashing attempting to infect the victim’s computer with a virus, and flooding an e-mail inbox with messages.
Because the use of mobile and online communications has grown so rapidly and the crime is relatively new, many jurisdictions are deliberating over cyber bulling laws. However, the crime is covered by existing laws against personal treats and harassment. In some cases, it may be advisable to inform the local police department or consult an attorney.
Statistics adopted from the youth research compiled at cyber bulling.us indicate that 33 percent of youths have been victimized by cyber bulling. The primary location where victimizing occurs is in chat rooms. This amounts to fifty-six percent (56%). Forty nine percent (49%) are victimized via instant messages and 28% via e-mail. 17% admitted to bulling another individual online. These are some more statistics by the Cyber bulling Research Center on cyber bulling:
Included in the Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Technology Plan is an Internet Use Policy (IUP) for student. Teachers are required to display the in their classrooms. Students and parents are required to sign a new IUP each year. However, the plan does to make reference to cyberbulling. According to the the North Carolina Criminal Law, “ North Carolina has a new cyberbulling law making it a misdemeanor to undertake various computer activities in order to intimidate, torment, or harass minors. http://sogweb.sog.unc.edu/blogs/ncclaw/?tag=cyberbullying
As a teacher, and prospective administrator I think that each school should include cyberbulling in their school technology plan. This is a crime that is fast increasing, and many teens are losing lives as a result of cyberbulling. Schools and educators through their technology specialist can educate students on proactive measures to use the Internet safely. Students should be educated on what to do if they suspect that they are being attached by a person via the Internet. Though the school newsletters can be sent home to inform parent on how to monitor their children use of Internet at home and also use of cell phone.
Guidance counselors can share stories with students of the effects of cyber-bulling and also incidents where students have been cyberbullied. The school could also set up a hot line where students can call if they are being victimized by cyber bullies.
More active measures include blacklisting or white listing e-mail accounts, changing e-mail addresses. Changing ISP’s, changing all phone accounts, and attempting to trace the source.
There students are victims of cyber-bulling, both teen died as a result of being cyber-bullied.
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| Alexis Pilkington |
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| Phoebe Prince |
Cyber bullying is really a widespread issue. I love the tips to the students. This is something I would include in my student handbook as an administrator. Thank you for another view of cyber-bullying.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that our administrators hands are tied, because they can only do so much and no more or else they will be sued. It is so widespread because technology is widespread. I share with you that the only thing we as teachers and administrators can do is to educate our students as much as possible and know what to do in situations like these. Parents also need to do their best to talk to their children too and know when there is a problem with these kids.
ReplyDeleteIt is really rising very fast and I have seen on some sites whereby persons are using sites to say things about people that is not cool and one in which can tarnish the persons future. I always ask the question; Would you like someone to do or say certain things to you on an open site that is not true? I think not. We as teachers just have to do what we can and work with the parents to try and combat this problem. Great post
School officials have alot on thier plates, I agree but more can be added in a negative light if the issue of cyberbullying in swept under the carpet. Your solution of a collaboration between parent and teacher is a good one. We all need to work together in fighting this. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteWhat to do? What to do? We talk to them about what bullying is and more recently, what cyberbullying is.We give them tips on hoe to be safe on the internet at home and at school. But, how do you change the spirit of a child you has these viscious thoughts and then puts them in action? It only takes one and then others jump in the bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteI think we are doing our part by making children aware of all the negatives of bullying in all its forms but how do you see what a child has inside and the lengths he/she is willing to go to when they feel that something is not to their liking.
Well done! As you say, we need to include cyberbullying in our tech plan. Nevertheless, it would be law against people who slander others, we could even propose a sentence in prison in case someone dies because of electronic wickedness; but it won't stop the problem. We need to educate in terms of being considerate, respectful, and good human beings towards the others. That would stop it and perhaps eliminate that desire, of hurting others virtually, from the hearts of the coming generations. This one is too complicated, but we've got to try. Perhaps a mandatory subject would help in a few years.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post, the statistics is overwhelming. I just hope that as technology continues to improve that we find new ways to stop this devastating problem.
ReplyDeleteTecha asks the right questions in the comments above. How do you see what a child has inside? That suggests that teachers and their students do have to build a trusting relationship and be close enough that indeed one can see what is inside. Not always easy or possible, but worth doing.
ReplyDeleteI like the tips. Not all students are verbose so unless their is a trusting relationship with them you wont know.
ReplyDeleteBe observant of your kids as teachers and parents of any changes.
I feel so sorry for all these cases of cyberbullying that make those young people take their live away. I think it is a good idea to include the counselors in a anticyberbullying campain at school.As a "prospective" eduacation administrator ( love the way you put it so I copied it)I am implementing your incredible idea on the hot line for students to denounce the bullies who attack then whatever reason! Good, good, very good!
ReplyDeleteI feel so sorry for all these cases of cyberbullying that made those young people take their life away. I think it is a good idea to include the counselors in a anticyberbullying campaign at school.As a "prospective" eduacation administrator ( love the way you put it, so I copied it)I am implementing your incredible idea on the hot line for students to denounce the bullies who attack them, whichever the reason! Good, good, very good!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that cyber bullying is such a big issue!! We have often heard of bullies being in schools but little did we know that we have cyber bullies and they seem to be more dangerous that a "regular" bully. I found your post very interesting. You made some very good points; for example having the school counselor speak to students on cyber bullying and share stories on how cyber bullying as affect students their age and even older. I will continue to take this topic very seriously and also be aware of the fact that both teachers and students can be VICTIMS!!!
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