Cyber Bullying

Images (Left to Right): http://www.thepicky.com/internet/what-is-cyberbullying-or-online-bullying/ and http://www.mcgill.ca/news/2008/fall/reputations/

I have read and heard a lot about cyberbullying lately, and decided to look into it further to find out what it's really about. Growing up in the technological age definitely has major advantages, but after researching cyberbullying, all of the technology around can be more of a hassle than anything to some people (children and adults alike). I first got introduced to this topic during a lecture presentation for my Ed Tech and Design class at UNI. As I explored more and more of exactly what cyberbullying is, I made a promise to myself to look out for any case of bullying as a teacher, because what I found is terrifying.

First, I will share a few videos that I found that really impacted me.







There are so many more videos about cyberbullying, but the three above are the ones that really got to me. The Megan Meier story in particular was extremely hard to hear about, but there are many more videos on YouTube that tell the updated story of her case (and many others).

Cyberbullying is defined as when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyberstalking is NEVER called cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying doesn't just happen at home, it happens at school as well. With the technology, such as computers and cell phones, at school, cyberbullying is an ongoing event. However, this horrible occurrence can be stopped, but with your help! Stop Cyberbullying and Kids Against Bullying are two fantastic websites for both children and parents to use in order to find more information on cyberbullying and what can be done to prevent it. Please do your part and stop cyberbullying! The technology (both in schools and at home) is not going to go away, so it it up to us, the individuals wanting to take action, to make a difference in children's lives.