CYBERBULLYIING IS REAL AND COULD BE WORSE THAN TRADITIONAL BULLYING.
PARENTS: IT’S TIME TO GET INVOLVED.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices, like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can be done via text, social network platforms and/or e-mail. Cyberbullies may send threats, make mean comments, post embarrassing photos, or share private information about someone online. Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying. Most victims do not tell their parents about cyberbullying. However, 64% of teens who have been bullied report being bullied through Facebook.
When bullied at school. at the end of the day it’s over, at least for that day. Digital bullying can be a 24-hour a day, sometimes torturous experience.
The Newport News School System offers hotlines for students to report any type of bullying. As a parent, if you feel your child is being bullied, get in touch with the school guidance counselor or another school representative as soon as possible. Although not all cyberbullying reaches the threshold of being considered a crime, it should still be reported to a Newport News Police Department School Resource Officer or other law enforcement. Our resource officers are also available to speak to your children, and we ask you to encourage them to do so.
Pay attention to your child’s Internet and phone activity. It is OK to check their devices; you’re doing it for their safety. Most social platforms offer a “blocking” option: use this option for anything you find inappropriate and urge your children to do so, as well. In the event the cyberbullying is criminal, or just for your own protection, it’s important to document all interactions.
Again, if you are the least bit concerned that your child is being bullied, either digitally or in person, it is critical you talk to them about the seriousness of this issue and seek help.
Some of the information in this article is provided by Virginia Fusion Center and they have listed the following as potential resources for help with cyberbullying:
www.stopbullying.gov
www.nobullying.com
www.kidshealth.org
www.paceteenagainstbullying.org