Cyberbullying Woes Require Attention, Action
Cyberbullying occurs when someone is threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another person over the Internet, cell phones or other electronic devices. Research suggests that as many as 25 percent of children in the United States report have been subjected to cyberbullying. It can occur as a direct attack or by proxy. Direct attacks are messages sent directly to victim, whereas cyberbullying by proxy involves getting others to help with the bullying.
Cyberbullying includes playing tricks by pretending to be someone else, spreading rumors, forwarding malicious electronic messages, posting sexually explicit pictures or messages (sexting) without the consent of the targeted person. Many times, teens who cyberbully don’t think it’s a big deal. They are frequently encouraged by their friends who also think it’s just fun. They don’t expect to get caught or face any consequences for their actions.
Although it is difficult for school administrators and school resource officers (SROs) to successfully discipline students for cyberbullying that takes place off campus without being sued for exceeding their authority and violating the students’ rights, it is possible for schools to work together with law enforcement, students, parents and staff to address cyberbullying.
Local law enforcement and school resource officers (SROs) should become aware of these occurrences and address them proactively to prevent more dire situations that can result from cyberbullying such as suicides, retaliation or other acts of violence.
Here are a few keys to combating cyber bullying in your area:
- Educate – Students need to understand that cyberbullying IS a crime. After all, the acts that fall under the traditional definition of bullying are often prosecuted as harassment, theft, and assault. Many of the consequences are the same and cyberbullying can be just as harmful as some of these offenses. Once students start to think of cyberbullying as a crime, it may deter participation.
- Keep your eyes open – Law enforcement should take the initiative to talk with administration, staff and parents to help identify and address cases of cyberbullying early. Often, parents are not even aware of how their child may be using the home computer or their cell phone. It is the parents’ job to monitor their kids and to help thwart this kind of activity. School staff can report suspected incidences to SROs, giving them leads to investigate and the ability to intervene early.
- Open door policy – The school should maintain an “open door policy,” encouraging students to report abuses, whether they are the ones being bullied or they are aware of an incident. This is a great way for school administrators, SROs and, if warranted, law enforcement to become aware of cyberbullying activities and also enables them to intervene before situations escalate.
- Leverage social media – Depending on the social media site and the situation, SROs can open accounts under an alias to help monitor online activities. This is another way to increase awareness of cyberbullying activities.
With a proactive approach, cyberbullying can be addressed and minimized. There are resources available to assist students, schools and parents with this pervasive issue. The Cyberbullying Research Center is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents. The important thing is to take a proactive stance.
About the authors:
ROSALIND W. JACKSON is owner of Train Intervene PreventT, a consulting business that caters to proactive organizations focusing on workplace violence prevention strategies. She is production manager for the Security Executive Council, an organization that provides strategy, insight and resources to risk mitigation decision makers, and also serves as a source of information and support in matters involving workplace violence. Jackson can be reached at tiprevent@bellsouth.net.
JEFF FLORENO serves as director of security operations and strategy for Wren, providers of physical security solutions that create safe learning environments. Floreno directs new product development efforts and provides security expertise to Wren’s education customers. Floreno can be reached at jeff.floreno@wrensolutions.com. To learn more about Wren’s solutions, visit www.wrensolutions.com.
This article was also published on Wren’ School Safety Blog.
Cyberbullying is a growing problem. We need to contact our legislators asking for stronger cyberbullying laws and also to start holding companies such as Topix accountable, if they don’t abide by their own Terms of Service and put together a strong plan to fight cyberbullying. Attacking others is not protected by freedom of speech and the only people who can defend that usually are the ones committing the crime.
One of the approaches that I found that is effective in my neck of the woods is to educate the the kids that there are always consequences to their actions, whether they are to their benefit or not. With the emphasis that ethical behavior is rewarded and the opposite will result in loss of their technology. I explain to them the “rules of evidence” – that if they misuse their devices and commit a crime, that device AND its contents WILL be seized as evidence. When will they get it back? When the case is finally adjudicated. How long will that take? NOW they start thinking! How many kids do you know regularly back up what’s on their cellphones, laptops, desktops?
So, instead of focusing on fines and/or incarceration for their misdeeds, focus on the loss of their devices and most important, the contents on those devices.
Another method I use often is putting them in the shoes of the victim – how it feels to be a victim of bullying, cyber or physical. Basically, it comes to the “Golden Rule”, but make it personal. The more personal, the greater the impact.
Again, these techniques works for me with “my kids” in my area. You need to find out what works for you and “your kids”.
Mahalo
Chris
BTW,
We’re in the planning phase of the 2011 Internet Safety Awards! we’ll keep you all posted!