Reports of cyberbullying are increasing, as is the level of severity, requiring educators and parents to take action (Li, 2006). Most parents set rules for internet usage. However, parents are not attentive to their children’s actions or not aware of harassments that may be occurring (Dehue, Bolman, and Vollink, 2008). Parents should know that cyberbullying can happen to any child, regardless of gender or race (Hinduja and Patchin, 2008).
Preventing cyberbullying is the first step towards protecting children, and parents need to be actively involved in their child’s online activities. Parents need to have an open line of communication with their child, and set firm rules regarding internet usage. Children should never post any personal information online, or open a message from an unknown sender (http://www.cyberbullying.ca/). Most importantly, parents should keep computers with internet access in a busy room of the house. This will help to enforce the rules, and allow parents to monitor internet activity (Franek, 2004).
Oftentimes it can be difficult to know if someone is a victim of cyberbullying. Some signs to watch for are: spending hours on the computer, closing windows on the computer when someone enters the room, fear of leaving home, lack of sleep or appetite, lowered self-esteem, change in behavior, acting out, lack of interest in life, or change in school performance (Fauman, 2008). Never arrange to meet someone from the internet. If a cyberbullying incident has occurred, report the incident to a trusted adult. Don’t reply to the message, but make sure to keep it because this is evidence. Contact local law enforcement, and notify the local internet service provider. There are various software packages that can help to protect or assist in finding who is sending the messages. Some of these are eMailTrackerPro, McAfee Parental Controls, or PreadtorGuard (http://www.cyberbullying.ca/).
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4 comments:
It is really scary to think about what kind of impact the Internet will have on our children in the future. As of today CMC has become one of the most prominent forms of communication in our world. "Adolescents at the end of the twenty-first century are being raised in an Internet-enabled world where blogs, social networking, and instant messaging are competing with face-to-face and telephone communication as the dominant means and methods through which personal interactions take place" (Hinduja & Patchin 2008, 130). This is why it is really important that parents are aware of how to keep their children safe online. Their self-esteem can be torn down, their reputation can be tarnished and their relationships can be challenged. We should really make sure that the adequate steps are taken to ensure the safety of children online. When I become a parent I know that I am going to take a lot more precautions when it comes to monitoring my children online.
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2008). Cyberbullying: An exploratory analysis of factors related to offending and victimization. Deviant Behavior, 29, 129-156.
Cyberbullying is an unfortunate occurance that takes place far to often on the Internet. Hindula & Patchin state "There is no shortage of potential offenders or victims of cyberbullying because of the widespread availability of computers and the Internet in the developed world" (2008). Since the Internet isn't going anywhere, the main focus of parents should be to somehow prevent cyberbullying from taking place. Prevention of cyberbullying is the key to protecting children from online predators. The more supervision a parent performs, the less likely a child is to be cyberbullied.
How effective are these message finding software programs such as eMailTrackerPro?
Cyberbullying has become a major concern and knowing how to deal with it as a child is essential. Cyberbullying differs from regular bullying because in can occur in any setting, not just at school as with regular bullying. According to Hinduja & Patchin "Personal and protected environments such as
the confines of one’s home provides a respite for targets of
bullying, and perhaps allows those victims to be recharged
and encouraged by loved ones before venturing out again
into a potentially hostile world" (2008). However, with cyberbullying, attacks can come via the computer or cell phones which people usually carry with them wherever they go leaving few escapes.
A few for the signs of cyberbullying such as spending hours on the computer and closing windows on the computer when someone enters seem pretty grey. Many people spend hours on the computer and closing windows in most cases I would have to believe would not be due to cyberbullying. It seems pretty obvious that you should never meet anyone in person whom you meet online. That said, the question I pose is this; How much cyberbullying occurs on the computer and how much has it increased to include the use of cell phones?
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2008). Cyberbullying: An exploratory analysis of factors related to offending and victimization. Deviant Behavior, 29, 129-156.
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