With the rise of the internet, smartphones, and texting, kids have found all new ways to communicate with each other. Online platforms like Facebook and blogs also give young people added venues to talk, share, and communicate.
Unfortunately, while there are many good things associated with modern technology, there are some drawbacks also. One of the most common problems is the phenomenon known as cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying occurs when a child or teenager is bullied using technology. The bullying can be harassment, threats, mockery, or humiliation. The technology can be in the form of blog posts, social media updates, texting, or any other use of technology and/or mobile phones.
What Constitutes Cyberbullying?
For cyberbullying to take place, both parties must be minors. That means, both the victim and the perpetrator must be minors, which in the United States is under the age of 18.
If an adult takes part in this behavior, it is not considered cyberbullying. But this can still be dangerous as it may be some form of child exploitation.
Cyberbullying is also a fluid phenomenon. Very often, the bully may become the bullied. And just as quickly, the bullied may become the bully. This is just a result of the naturally quick pace of modern communications.
How Serious is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying can be very serious. There are several occasions over the past few years where cyberbullying has led to murder or suicide.
Parents and teachers should understand that cyberbullying is usually not a single instance. Often, it is a pattern of repeated behavior, usually from one party to another.
How Can We Stop Cyberbullying?
The first step to stopping cyberbullying is to talk to your children about it.
If your kids are the bullies, then you should let them know they will lose their technology privileges if they do not stop immediately. And if they do not stop even after a warning, it is your responsibility to follow through with the proposed punishment.
It is also important to recognize the motives behind the bullying. It may be that the bully is getting back at someone who did the same to them. If this is the case, then you should make an effort to involve parents, teachers, and students on all sides.
The school should also get involved by disciplining those children that engage in cyberbullying. Schools have the power to discipline on many different levels up and including expulsion from school.
Where Does the Law Stand?
Legally, cyberbullying can be very murky. It all depends on how serious the bullying is and the circumstances surrounding the issue.
Definitely, any sort of physical threats should be taken seriously and should be reported to the proper authorities. Because of the drastic repercussions this may have, it is important that parents understand the difference between regular teenage banter and actual threats of violence.
Even if no threats are involved, if you believe the cyberbullying taking place may lead to harm, you should still involve the proper authorities. There’s no reason to wait for something bad to happen if you can prevent it before hand.