cyber-bullying

Posted on Sun, 18 Oct 09

Who would have thought that technology could replace an old-school punch up? It may not cause physical strain on a person, but the mental impact is far worse. Enter the world of cyber - bullying.

Technology creates accessibility, to the extent of violence in the playground being able to follow young girls into the comfort of their home. With cell phones and computers, young women are never out of touch anymore.

"What we've learned is that youth (young women) will deal with this by themselves or within their peer group and involve adults as a last resort” says Martin Cocker from Netsafe New Zealand.

Here are some helpful tips to detect and prevent cyber bullying on young women:

„h Keep your home computer in a busy area of your house.

„h Regularly go over their instant-messenger “buddy list” with them. Ask who each person is and how your teen knows him or her.

„h Discuss cyber-bullying and ask if they have ever experienced it or seen it happen to someone.

„h Tell her that you won't blame them if they are cyber-bullied. Emphasize that you won't take away their computer privileges - this is the main reason kids don't tell adults when they are cyber-bullied.

Source: the National Crime Prevention Council; www.ncpc.org