Cyber-Bulling is an
ever-increasing problem for kids and it’s having devastating consequences like
suicide and self-harm. Yale University researchers, after reviewing studies
done in 13 countries, found that victims of bullying were 2 to 9 times more
likely to report suicidal thoughts than other children. Some parents think
cyber-bulling is just the online version of the bullying that happened at
school when they were kids but cyber-bullying follows kids home from school.
Between their cell phone and home computer kids can now be bullied 24/7 if
front of thousands of kids online. Being harassed by one kid at school is bad
enough but being harassed an embarrassed in front of your whole school online
is something else entirely.

Parents, you need to know
the risks your kids are facing in this area. Here are some stats you need to
know:

– 43% of teens have been
harassed online

– 90% of middle school
students have had their feelings hurt online

– Girls are twice as likely as
boys to be the victims of cyber-bullying and the perpetrators

– Teens using social
networking sites, like MySapce, are almost twice as likely to be victims of
cyber-bullying than those that don’t

So how do you cut the
Cyber-Bull. First, you need to talk with your children about cyber-bullying
(what it is and the dangers) and layout the rules for appropriate Internet
usage. Second, you need to start monitoring your kid’s online activities. You
can do this in person (just be around and ask what they’re doing online) and
with software, like SafeEyes, that can record chat conversations, monitor
social networking activities and email. Third, look for potential warning signs
(they’re withdrawn – are obsessed with their use of their computer or cell
phone – are depressed) that could indicate your child is a victim or
perpetrator of cyber-bullying. None of these are a silver

bullet that will
solve all cyber-bullying but it’s a place to start and an opportunity to engage
with you kids.

A recent poll said that parents
were not doing enough to prevent bullying. Maybe it’s because they didn’t know
how. Well now you do so go engage with your kids and help “Cut the Bull”.