October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Do you hear that, all you bullies? It's time to once and for all stop the mistreatment of other human beings, young and old alike. It's time to stop the harassment, the heartache and heartbreak, it's time to think about what it feels like to be on the receiving end of ridicule, fear, and hopelessness. It's time to STOP BULLYING!
As I was looking for a topic to write about in our blog post, one such article "Facebook, Google+ Prepare for National Bullying Prevention Month" stood out. In the headlines now is the story of another young girl, 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick, who took her life after years of being bullied by as many as 15 girls, most often through social media and texting. Even more astonishing is that the girls continued to post comments online after Rebecca's death! The local sheriff where Rebecca lived even arrested two of the girls, ages 12 and 14, alleging them to be the "ringleaders". Now he is even thinking of charging one of the girl's parents because they are seemingly "in denial"! What gets into these kids or adults who feel that they are justified in belittling others? And with social media being here to stay, how can it be made a safer haven for children and adults alike?
Before October began, Facebook had launched a social media manual that parents, children, and educators could utilize to help combat bullying and safety issues online. The guide offers guidance on how to safely share information, mostly covering basic Facebook safety. Facebook also solicited help from Rosalind Wiseman, author of the book that inspired the movie Mean Girls. Wiseman provided helpful tips for parents to use in monitoring their teen's Facebook use: tips like reminders to give kids space, warnings about what can happen when posting online, and gaining an understanding that social media is here to stay with our kids.
For its part, Google+ partnered with PopSugar Moms to hold three to four Google Hangout sessions throughout October to address cyberbullying, suicide prevention, and even Parent-Teacher Conferences focused on helping schools to offer guidance and support for safer student interactions on social media. Lastly, Twitter has a page on its Help Center designated "Safety tips for parents."
The article cited a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics stating that cyberbullying appears to be a major issue especially among teen social media users. This May it was found that one in six teens had been the victim of cyberbullying over the previous 12 months. Sobering facts for sure. It doesn't appear that the anti-bullying message is getting across to anyone.
We all are aware and may have even been the victim of bullying. Growing up, I witnessed how kids (to me it seemed like girls tend to be meaner than the boys) would make disparaging remarks to others because of their clothes or because they were too short, too fat, too thin, too something. I was always taught to treat others as I would want to be treated. It would seem natural that others would be raised that way as well. Back then, when social media was not even a thought, bullying was done on the school playground, the bus, or in our own neighborhoods. Now that social media is here to stay, it seems that it is up to us as parents, educators, big brother/sister, anyone who cares about our children, to ensure that our children are raised with morals and the capacity to care about how we treat others.
The article closed in asking the question "Are social media sites doing enough to combat cyberbullying?" I'll take that one step further: Are parents and other adults doing enough to talk to their kids about bullying? Are they even monitoring their activities, online or otherwise?
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/17/florida-sheriff-eyes-charging-parents-teens-arrested-after-bullied-girls/
Teresa, I find your article very interesting, I did not know October was National Bullying Prevention Month. I think it is great people are trying to bring awareness to a serious and growing problem throughout our country. I also found your article to be closely related to mine. Starting October 23, Facebook's new privacy setting for teenagers between the ages 13-17 will go into effect and will allow underage children to post publicly. I believe the new laws will only make cyber bullying worse. Studies have shown people feel more courageous on the internet, rather then face-to-face contact.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe parents are doing enough to help put an end to bullying, and besides just talking to them, parents should be monitoring their children's online activity. In today's society, everyone is "so busy" and I feel most parents let the tv or internet do the parenting. Parents should not only be proactive, but also make sure they are setting a good example for their children at home.
Katie - thanks for your comments. I, too, believe that by Facebook establishing a new privacy setting for teens it may open the doors for more bullying. It definitely is up to parents to monitor their children's internet usage and to set good examples for their kids. It seems somewhat contradictory for Facebook to, on the one hand, be trying to do what they can to prevent social media bullying and then on the other hand, changing the privacy setting to allow younger teens to post publicly. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense!
DeleteBullying is unacceptable. Children and parents need to be educated about this behavior so they can understand the serious repercussions it brings. I think parents need to monitor their children’s use of social media sites and step in when bullying issues arise. If a parent tracks their child’s social media use and has access to their passwords, they can take control and shut down those accounts in light of a bullying situation.
ReplyDelete