The article I chose on cyberbullying focused on intervention and prevention strategies that parents can utilize to put an end to the practice. I chose this article because I was curious about ways to intervene in a cyberbullying situation. This article defined cyberbullying as, "sending or posting harmful or cruel text and/or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices." Here are a few interesting points that came up during the article:
- A 2006 survey estimates that over 13 million children and teens are victims of cyberbullying.
- Cyberbullying is more likely to happen outside of school but still happens in schools, despite our efforts to prevent it using filtering software.
- Cyberbullies are just as likely to be female as male.
- Cyberbullies are more likely than nonbullies to be targets of traditional bullying.
- Cyberbullies often remain anonymous.
- Many girls engage in cyberbullying in groups.
- Many victims of cyberbullying do not reach out to an adult because them blame themselves for the attack.
Another point that the article brought up was that some cyberbullies do not see themselves as being a bullies, but rather vigilantes, because they are doing so to protect a friend who is a victim of cyberbullying. I found this interesting because it demonstrates how cyberbullying, or really bullying in general, is often perpetuated by victims or friends trying to defend victims. I think it is sad that victims of bullying often become bullies themselves and I think that our society needs to do a better job addressing this issue. One major way that parents can address the issue of cyberbullying is to actively monitor their child's computer/cell phone use and talk to their child about cyberbullying. I also think that these strategies could be extended to the school environment. Some specific strategies provided in the article are described below:
- Keep computers in easily viewable places, such as the kitchen or living room.
- Talk to children about their online activities.
- Talk to children specifically about cyberbullying and how it is harmful and unacceptable.
- Encourage children to notify an adult if they witness cyberbullying.
- Remind your children that as a parent, you can review their online communications if there is any reason for concern.
- Be aware of warning signs that your child is being bullied, such as reluctance to using the computer, not wanting to go to school, etc.
- Consider installing parental control filtering software.
Robey, N., & Feinberg, T. (2010). Cyberbullying: Intervention and Prevention Strategies. National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/bullying/cyberbullying.pdf
Great post Laura! Your article sounds similar to the one i read. I find it interesting that in your article the one that were victims of bullies become bullies as well. You would think that they would remember how it feels and not want to do that to someone else. As a victim of childhood bullying myself, (middle school no less) I would never want to put anyone through that fear and misery.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really interesting to read that sometimes cyber bullies do not see themselves as bullies. Perhaps because they do not fit the commercial/cartoon/stick your head in a toilet bully model, that think their actions are less hurtful. I think defining what counts as cyber bullying and actions to take against will help combat the issue.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that you pointed out from your article that many bullies don't see themselves as a bully, but act as a vigilante and are trying to protect a friend from being bullied. We see this happen many times. We tell kids to take up for others, but sometimes don't tell them the right way to go about it. They feel like it's okay and really, truly in their heart feel like its "taking up for their friend." This is where guidance comes in.
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