Cyber Bullying
Today I found out that the child of a friend has been suffering from cyber bulling. Cyber Bullying is on the rise. My heart breaks for those that suffer from such hate. I have spoken with many people, who as children, had been bullied and managed to overcome it, but these are people from my day long ago before computers. It is one thing to be made fun of and teased in the classroom, but to have this teasing continue over the internet on sites such as Facebook, is much worse, because it goes way beyond the classroom.
The effects of cyber bullying go beyond the teasing I encountered as a student in school. When I was teased, the teacher quickly stopped any kind of teasing. It did not seem to last beyond a a few days at most, or if it did, it meant a visit to the principals office.
What can be done? I am not a specialist; I am only a mother and grandmother, but here are the steps I would take.
Talk to the school. Visit the classroom and inform the teacher and principal. If this did not change the situation, I would remove my child from the school. I would know what my child was doing online, blocking the bully; I would limit the use of technology. I would reassure my child of my love and support, and if necessary get counseling.
Sadly, this is yet another danger our children face in a world that has left God outside the classroom door.
The effects of cyber bullying go beyond the teasing I encountered as a student in school. When I was teased, the teacher quickly stopped any kind of teasing. It did not seem to last beyond a a few days at most, or if it did, it meant a visit to the principals office.
What can be done? I am not a specialist; I am only a mother and grandmother, but here are the steps I would take.
Talk to the school. Visit the classroom and inform the teacher and principal. If this did not change the situation, I would remove my child from the school. I would know what my child was doing online, blocking the bully; I would limit the use of technology. I would reassure my child of my love and support, and if necessary get counseling.
Sadly, this is yet another danger our children face in a world that has left God outside the classroom door.
Comments