In social networks, from sexual exploitation to being tormented by their peers or others, children today are the primary targets and face many dangers while on the Internet.

 

Cyber bullying is a serious problem that presents itself in many forms and should not be taken lightly.  Being cruel, posting or sending hurtful, harmful material via the Internet or other electronic means is cyber bullying. 

 

Cyber bullying can involve threats, sexual comments, insults, and gossip or rumors to degrade the victim. Others may also be encouraged to participate in this behavior to cause further distress to the targeted individual.

 

Cyber harassment/Cyber stalking is defined by repeated contact used to intimidate the targeted individual through mental assault.  The gathering of personal information to be used to harass, threaten, or make false accusations to denigrate the victim's reputation.  Cyber stalkers may become more obsessed with their targets and the behavior may result in physical stalking.  These types of situations create fear and should be reported to your local Police Department immediately.

 

Fighting online with the use of inappropriate language using insults, and aggressive personal attacks through messaging in forums or chat rooms is called"Flaming". Those that conduct themselves in this manner are also known as "Trolls", finding personal pleasure in offending and causing distress to others.

 

Manipulating or tricking someone into sharing secrets, images and or personal information that may be embarrassing to them and having it posted online is called "Outing". 

 

"Dissing" someone online by posting gossip or rumors and sending malicious messages about a person to damage his or her reputation or friendships may result in "Social Exclusion", intentionally excluding the individual online from socializing with others.  Whether it be dissing, social exclusion, or both, these actions are distressing to the victim.

 

Some Cyber bullies may create an "Imposter Profile" and pretend to be their victim in an attempt to get them in trouble or place them in harms way by sending messages or posting comments, and creating websites in order to ruin and damage creditability.

 

Below is a letter we received from a parent explaining just how devastating cyber bullying can be from the results of an  Imposter Profile.  Andrew's Story:

 

Dear Kids Come First,

 

I want to share my experience in hopes that it will keep another child safe.  Here is another way children can be cyber bullied and the effects it can have.

 

I was a naive parent believing if we watched our son while he was on MySpace he would be safe.  I was wrong.  Someone created an imposter profile using his photo, name, and made up conversations on this fake page about illegal and obscene activity as if it were between my son and others that were completely false, ranging from attempted rape to smoking marijuana. For four months this was the talk of the town.  While in class he was asked, "what was it like to attempt rape?" He was devastated, humiliated and so ashamed that he skipped school.

 

My son is an honor student devoted to becoming a business man in his community and preparing for college.  Colleges and companies check social networking sites when considering applicants.  My son was concerned that this would lower his chances with them.

 

Watching him suffer with headaches, upset stomach and fear about his future was painful.  He felt that all he had worked for had been sabotaged.  He even went on the Dr. Phil show in an attempt to clear his name.  You can see how serious this is to him and the imposter profile by viewing the interview.

 

Even though the page was removed the lies posted about him are on the Internet forever.  Andrew can show future employers and colleges the Dr. Phil interview that clears his name, but how many kids will have that opportunity?

 

Since my son became a victim and having to watch him suffer at the hands of others needlessly, I have become an Internet Safety Advocate.  I want to bring awareness to the problem, not just for the victim's sake, but for the bully as well.  Both become victims.  If a charge of cyber bullying, identity theft or misuse of a computer is on their record, they will not be hired.  It is a lose-lose situation for both the victim and the bully.

 

No one understands the effects that cyber bullying has on a child and the family until they endure it.

 

Thank you.

 

Brenda Preston