We hear the stories all the time -- a child can barely get through the day because he's been harassed and tormented by mean texts, Facebook posts, or by a website created for the express purpose of humiliating him. Well, recent findings from the Cyberbullying Research Center reveal that "cyberbullying victims were almost twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared to youth who had not experienced cyberbullying."
The devastating effects of cyberbullying were also confirmed by The Journal of Adolescent Health. Their newly-released survey results revealed that kids who are cyberbullied tend to feel "isolated, dehumanized, or helpless." Based on responses from over 7500 6th through 10th graders, the study also found that cyberbullying leaves the perpetrator unscathed, while the victim often ends up feeling depressed.
The National Crime Prevention Council has some excellent information on responding to cyberbullying. Click here to find out what you can do. If you are a parent or teacher, share this information with your child. Cyberbullying is a fast-growing, insidious epidemic that's affecting more kids than we even know.
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After 23 years in juvenile court, I learned that teenagers often learn from the experiences of their peers, not just from being lectured by those in authority. Consequently, “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” was published in January, 2010. Endorsed by Dr. Phil on April 8, 2010 ["Bullied to Death" show] TCI presents real cases of teens in trouble over their online and cell phone activities. Civil & criminal sanctions have been imposed on teens over their emails, blogs, text and IM messages, Facebook entries and more. TCI is interactive and promotes education & awareness so that our youth will begin to “Think B4 U Click.” Thanks for looking at “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” on http://www.freespirit.com [publisher] or on http://www.askthejudge.info [a free website for & about teens and the law].
ReplyDeleteRegards, -Judge Tom.
Thank you for your comment, Judge Tom. And thank you for the work you do to help the many kids harmed by cyberbullying. I love your advice to "Think B4 you click'" and I'll be sure to pass it on!
ReplyDeleteI actually came to your site "learningpeace.com" to find your list of "ways to increase hope" - I have your ideas jotted down in my journal and I love them... I recently started a blog (ironically we have the same template too :) ...and was going to add your ideas (with the link to your site)
ReplyDelete- then I came across your blog - cyberbullying - I was bullied all through grade school (and it made it worse because I was already being physically abused at home) I was completely suicidal - thankfully I made it through those tough years but now I worry about my nieces and nephews -
When I read stories or see something in the news where someone took their life it just breaks my heart. I'm so happy that more and more people are talking about it and bringing it to people's attention. Kids can be cruel but hopefully all the awareness being raised will help.
If you don't mind I'd love to share my site - I'm sharing my lifelong battle with depression and other mental illnesses - but with the message that there's always hope - I try to offer support among other things...
http://hopedespitedepression.blogspot.com/