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Bullying Series – Cyberbullying: When Peers Are Predators Too

Identifying, Intervening, Surviving, and Preventing Bullying Series:
Part 2

Not so long ago we only had to worry about the online threat of strangers.  Predators were those from far away who used technology to gain access to our children and subsequently harm them with abuse and exploitation.  But times have changed and the digital age has opened up a new world where our children’s peers are now predators as well.

Cyberbullying and digital abuse are quickly becoming the main issue facing tweens and teens today.

  • 1 out of 5 children is or will be cyberbullied (US Dept. of Justice)
  • 43% of teens ages 13 to 17 have experienced cyberbullying in the past year
  • 1 million children were cyberbullied on Facebook during the past year

EdTechmagazine.com has created a great infographic that displays just how real and significant cyberbullying is… we encourage you to check it out.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is threatening, harassing, or aggressive behavior by one or more children or teens toward another using digital technology such as the Internet or cell phones. Unlike bullying, cyberbullying does not have to be a repeated behavior nor does the behavior need to take place between persons of unequal power.

Cyberbullying can include:

  1. Spreading rumors or posting false information
  2. Sending harassing messages
  3. Posting compromising or altered images
  4. Persuading others to act in this same manner
  5. Posting private information
  6. Bullying others while impersonating the victim

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children does a great job of explaining cyberbullying through a series of videos titled “Real Life Stories.” These videos feature stories shared by actual teens and are appropriate for tweens and teens, and they are also appropriate for adults who wish to gain a better understanding of cyberbullying and its devastating consequences.

Cyberbullying tends to begin in middle school, increase in the later middle school years, and peak in high school, therefore education and prevention must start early and continue throughout all school years. Learn the risks to children from cyberbullying and other risks associated with technology use. Become educated and empowered to help children and teens stay safe: Cyberbullying and Digital Safety

Additional Resources on Bullying:

Bullying Resources

Cyberbullying Resources

Bullying Basics

How is Bullying Different in Younger vs. Older Grades

Signs Your Child May Be the Target of Bullying

Why Children Become Bullies and Why They Target Certain Kids

Effective Bullying intervention by Adults

Bully Bystander: How and Why Other Students Should Intervene

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What They're Saying...

I heard about the program through my son. He came home…and showed me the safety rules. I cannot thank the Foundation enough; to have other people who are also concerned about my child’s safety and the safety of other kids is wonderful. I especially like the program’s focus on the prevention side.

There’s not a child in the world who can’t benefit from this program. There are so many instances where we see children who have been damaged and hurt. Things happened to them and we think, if they’d only had this program, if they’d only had the benefit of this education, that might not have happened to them. If we can prevent that from happening to a single child, then it’s worth all the effort we have put forth.

The MBF Child Safety Matters program is impressive. This important information is well formulated and well presented, developmentally appropriate, and based on good understanding of literature.