2. Definition Cyber-bullying – when one child/teen targets another child/teen using various forms of technology. Ex. Phones, internet, text messaging… samanthacelera
3. Importance Cyber-bullying can have a huge impact on a child’s life. Constantly being targeted, demeaned, and made fun of can lead to severe emotional trauma.
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5. Children can no longer find sanctuary in their usual comfort zones – text messages and emails can be reached anywhere with phone service.
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7. With new technology and easy access to the internet, it is easier for students to create websites about and target a student.
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9. Internet Polling –Kids create an online poll or survey about another student, asking kids about how “ugly” or “fat” they are.
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11. The story of Megan Meier Guillermo Esteves November 6, 1992 – October 17, 2006
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13. Parents –Because most of cyber-bullying occurs in the home, parents can recognize the signs of a child being bullied, or can reprimand a child that is being a bully.
My current issue is Cyber-bullying. I am Megan Griffis, and this is my presentation:
Cyber-Bullying can be defined as a child or teen that targets another child or teen using various forms of technology, and verbally, mentally, or emotionally abuses the person. Cyber-Bullying can include all forms of technology such as phones, internet, emailing, blogs, websites, and many others.
Why knowledge about Cyber-bullying is important:Cyber-bullying can have a huge impact on a child’s life. Constantly being targeted, demeaned, and made fun of can lead to severe emotional trauma. The child’s self esteem decreases, and the cyber-bullying can often lead to severe depression, withdrawal, and even suicide.
Here are a few facts about Cyber-bullying:“Cyber-bullying is the fastest growing trend of bullying among teens” – (Stutzky) As technology grows, so does our children’s ability to abuse it and turn it against other children. Children can no longer find sanctuary in their usual comfort zones – text messages and emails can be reached anywhere with phone service. Modern day technology allows children to bully others 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
There are many different ways children can effect others negatively through technology: Children can impersonate other students and send out hurtful messages to their friends. Teens are more likely to post negative and derogatory images, messages, and blogs about other people they don’t like. With new technology and easy access to the internet, it is easier for students to create websites about and target a student. Cyber-bullying is about power and control. Because a cyber-bully does not directly see their victim’s reactions, they feel more powerful over their emotions.
Different ways students can abuse other children are through the following methods: Text Message/Phone call – Kids can send death threats, hurtful messages, and demeaning pictures as forms of blackmail and means of humiliation through text message. Internet Polling – Internet polling is probably one of the most degrading methods of cyber-bullying. Kids can create an online poll or survey about another student, asking kids about how “ugly” or “fat” they are. Impersonation – Impersonating another fellow student or child is one of the most difficult methods to trace. Students can create separate IM accounts whose screen names are very similar to a victims’. That child will then continue to send out hurtful messages to the people of the targeted victim, causing damage throughout their friends lists.
Cyber-bullying effects children’s educationStudents that are victims of cyber-bullying often know their offender. More often than not, that offender is a member of the same school as the victim. If a student is being targeted by one or more members from the same school, it is likely that student will have a difficult time concentrating on his/her school work.The student will constantly be paranoid of another attack or form of abuse from an unseen offender.
The story of Megan Meier:Megan was the average 14-year old girl. She lived in Missouri with her mother, father, and sister. Like every middle school girl, Megan had some difficulties with her self-confidence, and was diagnosed with depression and attention deficit disorder.Megan was a member of the online social site “Myspace”, and often talked to her friends. When a boy by the alias “Josh Evans” began talking to her, Megan was excited – the boy was cute, charming, and played Megan up by saying everything she wanted to hear.The dream was short lived, however. “Josh” soon began sending hurtful and cruel messages, calling Megan “a bad person” and telling her “the world would be a better place without you in it”. Rumors were soon spread throughout her school, and kids stopped being friends with her, and even joined in on the hurtful messages. Megan’s self esteem plummeted.After a fight with her mother over the use of her Myspace account, Megan became very distraught over the last few messages sent by “Josh”. She hung and killed herself on October 17, 2006. “Josh” turned out to be a fellow mother of the neighborhood Megan lived in, and a mother of a student Megan went to school with. The whole debacle was started over a supposed rumor between Megan, and the mother’s daughter. Because of the easy access to the internet, “Josh”’s impersonator was able to contact and abuse Megan via technology. What could have been solved in an appropriate and controlled school setting, turned into an emotionally scarring incident that will permanently effect many students, family, and friends.
Addressing the issue of cyber-bullying: Schools – Schools often have a more difficulty controlling the cyber-bullying issue because the majority of cyber-bullying does occur out of schools. But an important method of prevention is to educate. The more schools educate their children on the danger and damages caused by cyber-bullying, the less likely it is to occur. Parents – Parents may be one of the most important influences on preventing their child from becoming a victim of cyber-bullying. Because most of cyber-bullying occurs in the home, parents can recognize the signs of a child being bullied, or can reprimand a child that is being a bully. Parents are the strongest influences in a child’s life. Legislation - In several states, laws have been passed to give the schools of the offender(s) more authority in punishing their students. If a child has been caught cyber-bullying, they face potential suspension or expulsion.
In conclusion, cyber-bullying is extremely damaging.It can ruin self-esteem, confidence, and may cause severe mental and emotional issues. It must be caught, stopped, and the persons involved should have serious consequences.
Though this may be the end to my presentation, it is hopefully not the end of children’s lives who are victims of cyber-bullying. With all the information and awareness, people can help stop this from occurring and help those affected.
