Cyber Bullying

"I HATE U"  "U R LAME"  "LOSER"  "I WILL KILL U"  "WATCH UR BACK"... These are all examples of messages sent from one child to another whether online or by cell phone to bully them.  This type of bullying, referred to as Cyber Bullying, is becoming more and more of a problem in today's world.

Cyber bullying is when a minor (ages 17 and under) is tormented, harassed, threatened, embarrassed, humiliated, or otherwise tormented by another minor using the internet, mobile phones, or other interactive and digital technologies.  Cyber bullying is done for mere entertainment, because the minor may ust be bored or have to much time on their hands, to torment others, or even to boost their own ego. Cyber bullying can be direct or indirect and include posting demeaning messages to someone's Facebook page, uploading embarrassing photos, or even spreading gossip or rumors through instant and text messages.

Unfortunately, at least half of all teens and adolescents have been victims of cyber bullying.  Even worse, less than half of these victims tell their parents about what's going on.  The effects of cyber bullying are most often psychological, but are often carried over into the real world.  This has led to severe depression in the victims, self harm, suicide, and even children killing one another!

This is something we all need to work together to prevent and control.  Our children should not have to worry about or deal with another child bruising their ego, lowering their self esteem, or causing them to lose touch with themselves and others around.