Cyberbullying can take
many forms. Compared to traditional bullying, which is typically confined to the neighborhood or school, cyberbullying may
seem even more powerful because it can invade a child's life that was once considered private. No place and no time are off
limits to cyberbullying. Children and teens can receive threatening e-mails, cruel IMs or texts can arrive at any time day
or night. Some wake up to find angry or humiliating texts on their phone. This type of bullying can occur 24/7. It can feel
that no place is safe anymore to a child being cyberbullied.
Cyberbullying:
Most cyberbulling involving kids and teens is done by their peers and occurs as early as 2nd grade. Cyberbullying
takes many forms, with the most common being:
- sending insulting or threatening emails, texts,
or instant messages directly to someone using a computer, cell phone or other e-communication device.
- spreading hateful comments about someone through emails, blogs, online profiles or chat rooms.
- stealing passwords and sending out threatening messages using a false identity
- building
a Web site targeting specific people
85% of middle
school children report being cyberbullied at least once
32%
of American teens who use the Internet report some form of online harassment
In a recent
study, 72% of participants, ages 12-17, claimed they knew who was doing the cyberbullying.
New Jersey State Law:
Electronic
communication is added to the definition of bullying, and schools may discipline when acts disrupt school. (Sec. 18A:
37-14 (2007))
In 2008, New Jersey became one of the first states to address a cyberbullying
policy for college and university students.
Why Good Kids
Act Cruel: The Hidden Truth about the Pre-Teen Years by Carly Pickhardt, PhD (2010)
"Early adolescence is a phase of anxiety, uncertainty and insecurity. To make matters worse, although
all kids are going through the same transformation, none of them share what it is like, each feeling alone, isolated
and unique. The result is that even fantastic kids will do and say harmful things." Carl
Pickhardt. This book discusses social cruelty, early adolescence, teasing, exclusion, bullying, rumoring, ganing
up, what the school can do and the gifts of adversity.
Teen Cyberbullying
Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences Begin? by Judge Tom Jacobs ( Thomas Jacobs, JD
has served as Arizona Assistant Attorney General, a Superior Court Juvenile Division judge, a family court judge,
and an adjunct professor at the Arizona State Univ School of Social Work. ) This book discusses the rights of free
speech and privacy in the Internet age. Learn what cyberbulling is and what you can do about it. Cyberbullying
includes:
- spreading harassing emails, voicemails, texts or IM's to someone
- spreading hateful comments online about someone
- stealing passwords and sending
threatening messages using a false identity
- building a Web site to target specific
people
www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
Stop Bullying Now!
You may be getting bullied or maybe you are the bully.
Either way the bullying needs to stop. With animated podcasts and games, this site has a lot of information about
why kids bully and what to do about it if you see it, feel it or do it.
Where
to get Immediate Help:
If you are currently dealing with
cyberbullying and need help right away, talk to a parent, teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult. Or contact
one of these resources:
Wired Safety Online
www.wiredsafety.org
Click on the "cyberstalking, Cyberbullying and Cyberabuse
Helpline" and follow the instruction to obtain help.
CyberMentors
www.cybermentors.org.uk
Click on the "Get Help Now" and follow the instruction
to obtain help.
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
www.loveisrespect.org
Call 1-866-331-9474 anytime or chat online 4pm-12am CST. All
calls and chats are anonymous and confidential.
National
Sexual Assault Online Helpline
www.rainn.org
a
free confidential secure service that provides live online help. Or call directly 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 911