Cyber-bullying involves using technology like phones and the internet to embarrass, harass or hurt others. It is a serious problem affecting many students both in schools and at home. Cyber-bullying has led to emotional distress and in some cases, physical violence against oneself or others. Statistics show that over 50% of kids have been cyber-bullied or cyber-bullied others. Schools are working to address this issue through policies while allowing for freedom of speech, but it remains a difficult problem to solve. Parents must be aware of signs of cyber-bullying and depression in their children.

1. CYBER-BULLYINGByJesse BolanThe Effects, the Turmoil, the Destruction

2. THE TERM ξ Cyber-bullying is when the use of internet, cell phones, or any technological device is used to send text messages or images that intend to embarrass, harass, or hurt another person.

3. How Serious Is This? ξ Cyber-bullying is occurring in schools and at homes. ξ Schools set up board meetings to discuss cyber-bullying and possible ways to prevent it—though it is a difficult problem to tackle. ξ The harm of this issue can be more than emotional hurt. It can lead to the physical violence of ones self, or to others.

4. ξ Cyber-bullying leaves innocent children as victims to discrimination, hate, humiliation, and sometimes even suicide. ξ There are cases of murders caused by cyber-bullying, as well as fights, dropouts, and the failing of classes due to the stress a cyber-bully causes a victim.

5. Statistics THE VICTIMS ξ42% of kids have been bullied while online. ξ35% have received serious threats. THE VICTIMIZERS ξ 53% of kids admit to having bullied online. ξ More than 1 in every 3 children have repeatedly bullied.

6. Tinker Standard ξ The Tinker Standard reflects students’ free speech and the school’s interest in ensuring safety for all its students. ξ It allows for the freedom of speech, but with appropriate censorship.

7. Weapons ξComputers ξ Cell Phones ξ Cameras ξ Online Video Games

8. “Who are you?” ξ Many cyber-bullies are never identified. By using temporary email accounts, using pen names in chat rooms, or sending anonymous text messages, they are able to mask their identity.

9. “What should you do if a bully picks on you?” ξIf receiving emails from a cyber-bully, don’t open them any longer, but don’t delete them either. Law enforcement may need them for convicting. ξTell your parents/guardian, teacher, or the authorities right away.

10. Parents ξ Schools must be monitored and well informed in order to help prevent potential acts of violence—be it physical or emotionally committed. You as a parent can make the needed change in a student’s life. ξ Parents must also be well informed, and listen to their children whenever they show signs of depression, or tell of a bothering incident that occurred in or out of school.

11. Sources ξ Title: Cyber Bullying: Statistics and Tips Author: URL: http://www.isafe.org/channels/sub.php?ch=op&sub_id=media_cyber_bullying ξ Title: Cyber-bullying Legislation and School Policies Author: Nancy Willard URL: http://www.cyberbully.org/cyberbully/docs/cblegislation.pdf ξ Title: Cyber-Bullying Author: URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_bullying#Cyber-bullying_defined ξ Title: Anti-bullying Poster 19940 Author: Bullyinguk URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bullyinguk/3386574517/ ξ Title: Anti-bullying Poster 20190 Author: Bullyinguk URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bullyinguk/3405943099/ ξ Title: Handcuffs01 Author: Klaus with K URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Handcuffs01_2003-06-02.jpg ξTitle: Charles Sumner School Author: Ctankcycles URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctankcycles/1003082279/