Cyberbullying

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Cyber bulling is a growing problem not only in the United States, but all across the world. With technologies such as cell phones, email, blogging, Facebook, and Myspace, it is now easier to get in touch with somebody 24/7. Unlike playground bullying, children are not able to go home and feel safe anymore. Cyber bullying is a fast growing trend in America and worldwide and experts believe it is even worse than the typical school yard bullying. Because most of us can be contacted 24/7 through telephone and email, victims are able to be reached anytime and anywhere. When a child is being bullied on the playground at school, the victim will often go home and feel safe. Unlike typical play ground bullying, the home is no longer a safe place because of the Internet. Cyber bullying is harassment through information and communication technologies such as through text messages, emails, phone calls, internet chat rooms, instant messaging, as well as social networking such as Myspace and Facebook. Cyber bullies torment others by forwarding and spreading hurtful images and messages often times to their peers. Many people cyber bully because it is easier than face to face bullying. This kind of bullying is very common and sometimes hard to notice due to it being very quiet. There is no way to commonly see it. Unlike physical bullying, you are unable to see any bruises or physical marks on the child. Because there is no evidence of physical abuse, the cyber bully is much less likely to get caught. Bullying is no longer limited to the playground, within schools, or at job sites; it is occurring online between all ages of people. Young children are most affected by this occurrence that is sweeping the nation because they have grown up in a more technological lifestyle. While online alone, 42% of kids have been bullied and 35% have been literally threatened. These threats range from simply promising that something bad will soon happen to the child being bullied to detailed statements confirming that the bullied child will be hurt the next day. Of all of the people that receive threatening emails and messages, an astounding 58% of those do not tell their parents/guardians that something bad has been said to them. These threats and remarks are going unnoticed, which is bad because those kids being bullied are eventually pushed too far, then committing suicide because they are scared and/or depressed about themselves. The primary spot for the bullying to occur is on chat rooms because there the bully can immediately attack the victim and get instant gratification by hurting them. Also they feel more powerful because they can write all they want to the victim, thinking that no one will know. Even though the victim can simply print out a copy of the bullying act from online, only about 12% actually follow through with trying to punish the bully with the proof. In O’Fallon, Missouri, Lori Drew was indicted by the grand jury for three counts of computer crime, conspiracy, and accessing protected computers without authorization. She created a MySpace account and posed as sixteen year old “Josh” in order to harass and bully young teens. Lori Drew is a mother and 49 years old. She used the fake account to talk to a thirteen year old female, Megan Meier. “Josh” engaged in flirtatious internet conversations with Megan. She ended up hanging herself in October of 2006 after receiving messages from “Josh” saying that the world would be better off without her. There was yet another case in Saint Charles County, Missouri that tested the state law dealing with electronic harassment, also known as Megan’s law from the article above. A woman named Elizabeth Thrasher, 40, posted a picture of a young girl on Craigslist. She then posted personal contact details about the girl and posted it under the casual encounters section. The young girl began receiving calls, text messages, and emails from various men regarding her post. There are no overall laws about cyber bullying but a few states have taken things into their own hands and created laws of their own. In Idaho, school officials suspend students if they bully or harass other students using a telephone or computer. Missouri has also toughened their laws on the matter, upgrading cyber-harassment from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Vermont has added a $500 fine for cyber bullying offenses to their already stringent laws on the matter and Rhode Island is currently trying to pass a bill that would force repeat cyber bullying offenders to appear in family court, where they would be charged as delinquents under the terms of the state’s laws for young offenders. There may be laws put in place to help stop and prevent cyber bullying but it is not enough just to print off an email or a conversation to get someone caught. Police need to be able to trace the email back to the suspect to be able to charge them. Many police are not tech-savvy and therefore cannot help prove that the victim is being threatened by the accused bully. Many schools have rules about bullying on school campus; they are now extending these rules to bullying of their students outside of campus. School should be a safe zone for children and many schools are willing to do a lot to keep it that way. The main thing to remember when dealing with bullying is that it’s the bully who is wrong, not the person being bullied. However one thing that is different in cyber bullying is that the person being bullied may not even know who is bullying them – text messages and emails can be sent anonymously making it even scarier. Preventing cyber bullying can be easy. First be sure and not give out personal information – the more information someone has about you the easier it can be to send scary messages. Also remember the quote “If it doesn’t look or “feel right”, it probably isn’t” – always trust your instincts. Another thing to remember is never send something when you are angry – always calm down before sending a hostile message because it only takes an instant to put yourself on a bully’s radar. Most importantly remember you don’t always have to be online, the more time you spend online surfing the web the greater the chance you have of being a victim of some form of cyber bullying. If you do become a victim of cyber bullying always remember you are not alone. There is always someone who can help – talk to a parent, teacher, or someone in authority. Never delete messages or text – always save them so you can report them. But more importantly don’t respond to them messages – responding especially in anger or fear will only fuel the bully on. If it becomes persistent change your email and instant message name and work from there. Remember, if you are being bullied it is not your fault and don’t be afraid to seek help!

__Works Cited__ Brown, S. (2010, February 12). Some tips about cyber bullying. In //Article Blast// [Instructions]. Retrieved February 13, 2010, from http://www.articleblast.com/Computers_and_Internet /General/Some_Tips_About_Cyber_Bullying/ Hardcastle, M. (n.d.). What is Cyberbullying? In //About.com// [Article]. Retrieved February 13, 2010,from http://teenadvice.about.com/od/schoolviolence/a/cyberbullying1.htm Miller, Christina. Cyber Stalking & Bullying – What Law Enforcement Needs to Know. Cygnus Interactive. 2006. Welch, W. (2008, May 16). Mom Indicted in 'cyber-bullying' case. In //USA Today//. Retrie ved March 1,2010, from Gannett Co. Inc. website: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nati on/2008-05-15-myspace-suicide_N.htm Whitney, L. (2009, August 28). Cyberbullying Case to Test Megan's Law. In Cnet News. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from CBS Interactive website: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320274-38.html

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code Whitney, L. (2009, August 28). Cyberbullying Case code

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Sara Vollmerhausen's Notes

1. Taking on the cyberbullies · Cyber bullies can bully anytime sometimes even just by pulling a phone out of a pocket · Some cyber bullies are so extreme they push their victims to suicide · Cyber bullies can hide behind screen names and aliases that allow them to say whatever they feel Source: (in APA format) MacDONALD, MOIRA. (2008). Taking on the cyberbullies. Hidden behind online names and aliases, they taunt, even lay down death threats. Retrieved from http://cyberbullying.org/pdf/Taking_on_the_cyberbullies.pdf 2. [|Social Norms and Cyberbullying Among Students] · Youth tend to follow what other youth do mostly to try to fit in better with peers · We need to change the “social norm” to what’s right instead of cyber bullying by changing old ways to acceptable ways · If you spend too much time emphasizing cyber bullying could encourage it more, so the better way is to try and fix the problem from the inside Source: (in APA format) Sameer. (2010). [|Social Norms and Cyberbullying Among Students]. Retrieved from http://cyberbullying.us/blog/social-norms-and-cyberbullying-among-students.html 3. [|Cyberbullicide - What We Can Do] · Cases are secluded and very rare at this point in time · The point still needs to get across that bullicide is very serious and can have grave consequences if involved · When trying to teach about bullicide you need to be sure that it is age appropriate but still can show the seriousness of the situation · Once again when promoting this you need to use caution because you can promote bullicide rather than prevention Source: (in APA format) Sameer. (2010). [|Cyberbullicide - What We Can Do]. Retrieved from http://cyberbullying.us/blog/cyberbullicide-what-we-can-do.html

Kelly Rodgers Notes code

1. Title: Cyber Bullying Affects One in 10 Students

Notes: A study shows that children in grades 6 through 10 have bullied their classmates or have been bullied by them either online or through cell phones. Most of the cyber bullying occurs in middle school.

Research has also found that about 8 percent of children had received harassing computer pictures or messages, and 6 percent were bullied through cell phones. Overall, more boys were cyber bullies while more girls were victims of cyber bullying.

Research also showed that the number of friends that a particular child has did not affect their involvement in cyber bullying. However, the amount of money a child comes from seems to increase the risk of cyber bullying, possibly because of the greater availability of computers and cell phones in wealthier families.

There is no way to stop cyber bullying however; research concludes that good parenting skills helps children to avoid abusive behavior. Because parents serve as role models, children who have high self esteem levels are less likely to want to take part in any type of abuse especially cyber bullying.

(Study is by the National Institute for Health)

Source: West, P. (2009, June 29). Cyber Bullying Affects One in 10 Students. In //US news and world report:Health// [Research]. Retrieved February 13, 2010, from [] code

2. Title: Some Tips About Cyber Bullying Notes: Cyber bullying often takes place through instant messaging, email, chat rooms, cell phones and evens cameras. Cyber bullies torment others by forwarding and spreading hurtful images and messages. Parents should constantly monitor their children’s Internet Access especially if they notice his/her child accessing the internet more than normal. If a parent finds out their child is being cyber bullied, than he/she should try to contact the bully or the parents of the bully. If not resolved, legal action may be necessary in order to solve the issue. There are many signs that a child shows if he/she is being bullied or cyber bullied. Such include: Making excuses not to attend school, Odd or not normal behavior, and sad or frustrated even when nothing has happened. Sometimes if a child’s belongings get stolen, it is a sign of being bullied too. If the child becomes distant especially from their normal friends, attention to the child should be given right away. Cyber bullying is very common and sometimes even hard to see due to it being very quiet and there is no way to commonly see it. Unlike physical bullying, you are unable to see any bruises or physical marks on the child. Source: Brown, S. (2010, February 12). Some tips about cyber bullying. In //Article Blast// [Instructions]. Retrieved February 13, 2010, from [] code

3. Title: What is Cyberbullying?

Notes: There are many examples of cyberbullying which includes a student being taunted through emails and the victim has no idea who is sending the messages. Another example includes a school bulletin board that has the rumors about a child that are not true. code

code Many people cyber bully because it is easier than face to face bullying. Also, the cyber bully is less likely to get caught since there is no physical evidence of being abused. By ignoring the emails, text messages, and not responding to cyber bullying, is a good way to start to fix the problem. As soon as cyber bullying starts, contact school officials immediately.

Source: Hardcastle, M. (n.d.). What is Cyberbullying? In //About.com// [Article]. Retrieved February 13, 2010,from [] code Kelly Rodgers Link

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VALERIE LADUE'S NOTES VALERIE LADUES NOTES [] 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online · 53% of kids admit having said something mean or hurtful things to another online · 42% of kids have been bullied while online share with students who are being cyber bullied: · Tell a trusted adult and keep telling them until they take action. · Never open, read or respond to messages from cyber bullies. · If it is school related, tell your school. All schools have bullying solutions. · Do not erase the messages.They may be needed to take action. · If bullied through chat or IM, the bully can often be locked. · If you are threatened with <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">harm, call the police. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cyber Bullying can take many forms. These are a few: · A threatening e-mail · Nasty instant messaging session · Repeated notes sent to the cell phone · A website set up to mock others · “Borrowing” someone’s screen name and pretending to be them while posting a message. · Forwarding supposedly private messages, pictures, or video to others. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[|www.RyanPatrickHalligan.com] Ryan Halligan was a 13 yr old boy who committed suicide after being harassed online. He also found websites to teach him how to commit suicide. Instead of going to a parent, ryan looked at his peers to help him with his depressive state, but they only made it worse. Saying “its about time” to ryans im of “tomorrow is the day youll be reading in the newspaper” PREVENTION TECHNIQUES <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Don’t give out private information such as passwords, pins, name, address, phone number, school name, or family and friends’ names. This information can be used by bullies and other harmful people on the Internet. Don’t even reveal your password to your friends. They might reveal it or use it against you in afight. · Don’t exchange pictures or give out e-mail addresses to people you meet on the Internet. Ask permission from parents when it is necessary to give such information. -Don’t send a message when you are angry—it’s hard to undo things that are said in anger. · Delete messages from people you don’t know, or those from people who seem angry or mean. · When something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Get out of the site, chat, etc. · Realize that online conversationsare not private. Others can copy, print, and share what you say or any pictures you send. Be careful! [] -cyber bullying is a fast and easy way to spread harmful information 10x faster than through the school yard. -it could be in the form of embarrassment (through a picture), harassment, threats, sexual comments, false rumors, stalking or even extortion. -it is the parents job to remind their children the rights and wrongs of life, including the online life. -ask to see what your child is sending via text or what is in their emails or what their friends are talking about online. -if your child is a vicitim, look for these signs: · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Your child seems to be upset, sad or angry after using the cell phone or PC. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Your child withdraws from friends or activities that they usually enjoy. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">-Your child’s school grades decline, or he or she expresses anger or dissatisfaction with school or a specific class. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Your child shows unusual signs of depression or sadness. __**If confronted by a cyber bully, follow these tips:**__ · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Save or print any evidence of cyber bullying. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Identify the cyber bully or bullies. Often more than one person participates or goes along with a cyber bully. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">File a formal complaint with the cyber bully’s cell phone or Internet provider. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Tell the cyber bully to stop. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Contact the parents of the cyber bully either by phone or, better yet, certified letter. Tell them what has happened. Present the evidence. Demand that the bullying cease. If necessary, warn them that you will take legal action if it does not cease. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Contact your child’s school. If the cyber bullying occurred at school, teachers and administrators can take protective or disciplinary measures to stop the bullying. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">If cyber bullying includes threats of violence or the advances of a sexual predator, call the police. http://www.olweus.org/public/bullying-articles.page ^^articles in the news about cyber bullying^^ [] ^^laws about bullying in every state^^ [] -Some states only passed bullying laws after tragic shootings at high schools across the us. -30% of all children are bullied within one semester -some states clearly define what is not to be tolerated: <span style="font-family: 'MyriadPro-Regular','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">New Jersey: <span style="font-family: 'MyriadPro-It','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">“Bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors…disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment.” _