cyberbullying

Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.^[1]

In September 2006, ABC News reported on a survey prepared by I-Safe.Org. This 2004 survey of 1,500 students between grades 4-8 reported:

• 42% of kids have been bullied while online. One in four have had it happen more than once.
• 35% of kids have been threatened online. Nearly one in five had had it happen more than once.
• 21% of kids have received mean or threatening e-mails or other messages.
• 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than four out of ten say it has happened more than once.
• 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.

Cyberbullying is a huge problem with tweens and teens. Many have moved from being physical to bullying others online which cause tremendous stress in their lives. All technology users must be given specific rules with how to treat others online and bullying must not be tolerated!!

Helpful websites: www.stopcyberbullying.org; www.digizen.org.