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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Protect your Child from Cyberbullying

The Internet is not always useful. When used without care, this technology can also cause massive trauma in a person. Take for example the case of highly publicized deaths of Tyler Clemente and Phoebe Prince and many other kids who committed suicide after being bullied in school and on various online sites.

Cyberbullying is an issue that should not be overlooked. This problem involves sending out hurtful messages that are likely to cause suicide among children who believe that suicide is the only alternative to escape from the pain inflicted in them via electronic media.

Statistics from the National Crime Prevention Council survey revealed that:

• 43% said they'd been cyberbullied last year;

• 96% have an email account;

• 43% said "their parents usually know what they're doing online" but have no online use rules.

• 27% said their parents don't know what they're doing online; and

• Only 23% have and follow their parents' rules.

The survey conducted on 1500 teens further disclosed that 81% of cyberbullies think their actions are rather funny and those perpetrators…

• Don't consider cyberbullying a big deal;

• Fail to consider the consequences;

• Are encouraged by their friends;

• Figure they won't get caught.

And so many kids are involved. Another survey carried out by isafe.com revealed that:

• 42% of kids have been bullied online; 25% said it's happened more than once.

• 35% have been threatened online; for almost 20%, that's happened more than once.

• 21% have received mean or threatening emails or other messages.

• 58% admit someone said mean or hurtful things to them online; more than 40% said it had happened more than once.

• 53% admitted saying something mean or hurtful to someone online, with 33% doing so more than once.

• 58% of bullied kids admit they'd never confided in a parent or other adult.

Online cruelty occurs in many social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace which are heavily frequented by children and teens. Another site called Burnbook which calls itself "a social utility that allows you to gossip about the people in your life while staying completely anonymous" is a potential area for cyberbullying.

Fortunately, the issue on cyberbullying is not at all overlooked by several cause-oriented groups and even the US President Barack Obama who said "You are not alone. You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't do anything to deserve being bullied. And there is a whole world waiting for you, filled with possibilities. There are people out there who love you and care about you just the way you are. And so, if you ever feel like because of bullying, because of what people are saying, that you're getting down on yourself, you've got to make sure to reach out to people you trust. Whether it's your parents, teachers, folks that you know care about you just the way you are. You've got to reach out to them; don't feel like you're in this by yourself."

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