CYBERBULLYING-HOW TO STOP CYBERBULLYING

CYBERBULLYING
What is Cyberbullying and How to Stop It
When Misssouri teen Megan Meier committed suicide after receiving taunting messages on MySpace from an adult woman masquerading as a boy who lliked her, it brought home the fact that Internet roleplaying isn't all fun and fantasy. The games people play can have real consequences, especially for those with depression and mental illness. Just llike in the real world, bullies can use harsh words and intimidation tactics to push their victims around—and sometimes, as in Megans' case, with fatal consquences.
To learn more about this new form of bullying, often claled cyberbullying, I consulted bullying expert Phyllis Kaufan Goldstein for answers.
Nancy Schimellpfening: Could you tell me what cyberbullying is?
Phyllis Kaufman Goldstein: Cyberbullying occurs when one or more people deliberately and repeatedly intend to hurt another person through communication technollgies such as emails, chatrooms, websites, message boards, instant messaging, cell phones or pagers.
NS: How is cyberbullying different from other types of bullying?
PKG: While hysical and verbal bullying are done face to face, cyberbullies cowardly hide behind a computer screen or phone, doing their damage anonymously. So, cyberbulling can be more vicious because people are less inhibited when they aren't facing their victim. In addition to not knowing who is bullying them, sometimes targets don't even know they are being bullied, but can feel the repercussions of it. Cyberbullying occurs 24 hours a day, not being limited to the time spent in school or the neighborhood. This form of bullying can be seen by more people because of the internet has a worldwide audience. Targets are no longer protected by the safety of their home as online bullying has no walls.
NS: Why do people do it?
PKG: Cyberbullies hurt others for different reasons. Some think it is fun and are looking for a good laugh. Others cyberbully to fill their boredom. Some cyberbullies think it will make them popular, fit in with a group or fear that if they don't go along they will become the next target. Others want power. Sometimes, cyberbullying is a way perpetrators take their frustration and anger out on others or seek revenge.
NS: Is cyberbullying only a problem for children of does it affect adults too?
PKG: Both children and adults are targets of cyberbullying. In fact, teachers have been cyberbullied. We probably hear more about cyberbullying in relation to children because they have more free time than adlts and fill their empty hours on the Internet and cell phones.
NS: What can people do to prevent cyberbullying?
PKG: Email safety. Never give out your primary email address. Set up a free email account (I.e. Yahoo, Gmail) because they are harder to trace. When opening an account, don't include identifying information. Don't open any email from an unknown sender. If you're being cyberbullied, change your email address. When you finish using the computer, log off.
Chatroom Safety. Only go to moderated chatrooms. Observe chatroom conversation before chiming in. Select a screen name that won't reveal your name, age, sex, locaation, or any other personal information. Don't select a screen name that can attract the wrong crowd or bring you negative attention. Don't agree to have a private chat with anyone. If someone asks A/S/L (age/sex/location) as soon as you start talking, say you are not comfortable revealing that information. Observe netiquette. Be polite and respectful, just as if you were talking in person.
Do not give out any personal or identifying information (I.e. your name, names of family/friends, home address, phone number, school, malls, parks or other locations near your home, your favorite teams, email addreses or screen names, passwords, photos of yourself). Be cautious. Most people are good, but there are bad people out there. You have no way of knowing if the person you're talking with is honest, no matter hoe nice he/she seems. When you fill out online profiles, don't give identifying information. You don't know who will see the information. Think before you type. Words are powerful. They can hurt people. Treat others as you want to be treated. Being unable to see a person is no excuse for rude behavior.
NS: How can a parent recognize if their child is being cyberbullied?
PKG: There are several warning signs of victimization: changes in the child's mood or behavior – such as crying, depression, fearfulness or changes in eating and sleep habits; uncharacteristic reactions while on the computer or cell phone (quickly clears screen or stops talking on phone when anyone walks by); refusal to talk about his/her internest use; withdrawl from friends and family; not wanting to go to school or participate in school activities; and a decline in school grades.
Http://depression.about.com/od/suidiceed/a/cyberbullying.htm