Knocking the Bullies Out of Cyberspace

Bullying is a word that I’m familiar with, but lately I’ve been hearing the expression cyberbullying.  Just what is it and what can we as parents do about it?

As you know, bullying is deliberate, hostile, aggressive language or behavior inflicted on one person by another. Usually, the bully is physically stronger than the victim and the victim is unable to defend him or herself.

Cyberbullying takes bullying to a whole new level. It’s virtual — not physical — and much more challenging to resolve.

However, that same deliberate, hostile, aggressive language is delivered to the victim by the perpetrator via any electronic device such as a computer or a smart phone.

The bullying takes the form of vicious instant messages, mean-spirited texts or malicious photos or graphics. When text messages include inappropriate sexual content, they are referred to as “sexting.”  

When bullying is physical and face-to-face, there is usually an opportunity for the victim to escape the situation, and it is likely to be noticed by others. 

With cyberbullying, there seems to be no escape. The attacks are directed specifically to the victim and often no one else is aware of the torment that the victim experiences.

Riverview School District has been proactive and has implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.  There are more suggestions about what adults can do to prevent and address cyberbullying on the district website.  Riverview also has board policy that speaks to this topic.

Similarly, Plum Borough School District has a board policy that addresses bullying and cyberbullying. 

Cyberbullying is of major concern to educators, and they are eager to assist parents in resolving these situations. 

As parents, you have an obligation to inform the school if you believe your child is a victim of cyberbullying. 

If it’s happening to your youngster, there’s a good chance it’s happening to other kids as well. Learn, talk and protect.

We know that computers and the Internet are great learning tools for kids and that technology is here to stay.  But we’re concerned that the kids could be at risk when they get online. How can we keep our kids safe?

You’re right about the value of technology as well as its dangers. Talk with your kids about ways to ensure their safety on the Internet.

First of all, the computer should always be in a common area in the house. It’s critical that you can observe what your kids are doing and looking at on the computer, even with just a quick walk-by.

Remember that there are parental controls that you can set on the computer.

Don’t allow your kids to participate in chat rooms or to message anyone whom you don’t know.

Remind the kids that they should never post any specifics on the Internet that could lead to the family’s identification, location or contact information.

An occasional check on the websites that your kids access is always a good idea. You can do this by viewing the drop-down menu on the Internet search bar.

Check out Kim Komando and look for the tips and parent advice tabs at the top of the page. There are several free downloads that can help you electronically monitor your child’s exploration of the Internet. 

It also includes other information that will keep you current on what kids are doing and what they should be doing with the access they have to the Internet. You might use the tips you find on the website to begin a conversation.

Talk with your kids if you notice any site that is questionable. You can make this a teachable moment by explaining the value of the Internet as a learning tool and emphasizing the need for them to be responsible and make good decisions to ensure their own safety.

Tell them that if something they hear or see on the Internet makes them uncomfortable, appears to be dangerous or frightens them, they should act on their instinct and exit the page. 

Explain that reporting the inappropriate website or an email message that they receive to you or another adult takes courage, but is the best way for youngsters to protect themselves.

Schools are required by federal law to comply with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA addresses concerns about access to offensive and inappropriate content over the Internet on school and library computers.

Non-compliance may result in the school district’s ineligibility for federal funds and e-rate reimbursement. Provide, monitor and communicate.