1. Dangerous Motives
Cyberbullying occurs when at least one adolescent bullies another, using forms of modern technology including the Internet and text messaging. The motives are different for each cyberbully; they can include anger, frustration, boredom, jealousy and revenge. Cyberbullying may be a way for the underdeveloped and unpopular kid to "get back" at those who tease him in school and it can be also be an opportunity for girls to start nasty rumors about each other. Whatever the motive, cyberbullies aim to hurt and humiliate their victims.
2. The age of not-so-Innocence
Direct attacks involve one or more children taking advantage of technology to threaten or demean another child. These cyberbullies may send numerous terrorizing text messages or emails to the victim, flooding her inbox with hate mail. Cyberbullies can also assume the victim's identity by stealing her password and logging on to her text account. The cyberbully then uses the stolen identity to harass the victim's family and friends. Blogs and websites are outlets for a cyberbully to post mean or false information about the victim.
3. Scamming the System
Cyberbullying by proxy is when the cyberbully gets someone else involved, usually without them realizing the abuse that's going on. For example, many digital text and online chat services have a warning button that users can click to report offensive material. If the service provider receives too many notifications against one account, they can close it down. Cyberbullies will report several false warnings, provoking the victim to retaliate in response. Even though the service provider may check the authenticity of each report, all it takes is for the victim to strike back just once against the cyberbully for the service provider to close his account.
4. Bully or Victim?
How do you know if your child is at risk of being a cyberbully or victim? If your child is a cyberbully, you may notice her spending more time than usual on the computer or mobile device. She may have multiple accounts set up and be secretive about what she's doing online. You may also see an increase in your cell phone bill. If your child is the victim, however, she may be unusually quiet and withdrawn. She may also feel nervous about using the computer or cell phone and be reluctant about going to school.
5. Unplug
Parents and teachers both need to address the issue of cyberbullying. Parents should actively monitor their child's time spent on the computer as well as the sites she visits. Likewise, teachers should be aware of how students use school computers. Parents and teachers need to teach children "netiquette," which is the appropriate ways in which to act when sending email and chatting. Kids should never give out personal information, such as account numbers or passwords. Parents should also set limits as to how long and under what circumstances kids can use cell phones. Kids don't need to always be "plugged in."
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