Over the years a number of teens have committed suicide due to cyber bullying: the numbers continue to rise and the statistics are devastating. Bullies are now able to use E-mail , Instant Messaging (IM) , Text messages or digital images sent on mobile phones , Social networking sites, web pages, blogs, virtual worlds Chat rooms or discussion groups or Interactive game sites to taunt their victims. The results have proven to be deadly for the many teens for which the embarrassment is so intense that it leads to depression and eventually suicide.
Visit the following links and read about some of these devastating cases.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3882520&page=2
http://www.momlogic.com/2010/03/soccer_star_commits_suicide_over_cyberbullying_formspringme.php
http://www.momlogic.com/2010/03/soccer_star_commits_suicide_over_cyberbullying_formspringme.php
What you can do as educators
Remember that as educators it is important to remind our students of how cruel some words can be, whether spoken to the persons face or posted on the internet for the world to see. Educate your class about cyber bullying, making sure that students know about your school's rules against this practice.If you hear about any episode of cyber bullying, investigate the matter promptly. Be cautious however about trying too hard to protect a child in front of his or her peers, as this could actually make the problem worse. The school's administrators should be notified about any suspected incidents of cyber bullying. Remember that any threats of violence, extortion, obscenity, or pornography should be reported to the police.
Students who have been victimized by cyber bullying can often gain from the support of a school counselor or mental health professional. The victim should also be reassured that they didn't deserve the abuse, and that the problem lies in the abuser, not in themselves.
Notify the parents of the victims and also the parents of any child suspected of participating in the practice. Be prepared that parents of a cyber bully may react badly to any allegations against their child. To avoid possible violent confrontations it is best to make notifications in writing, coming from proper authorities. If you have any proof of cyber bullying, be sure to turn them over to the proper authorities as well, since they may be needed as proof.
See what others are doing to combat the problem of cyber bullying
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