Cyber bullying

Technology is giving children, and adults, more ways to connect, socialise and communicate than ever before. This is good news. The bad news is that some people are abusing the technology. One way they abuse it is by cyber bullying.

• Cyber bullying is essentially a high tech version of the schoolyard bully;
• Cyber bullying is cruel anti-social behaviour perpetrated either online or via mobile phones against other people.

Read on for tips on identifying cyber bullying behaviour and how you can do more to stop it.

Cyber bullying explained

Cyber bullies use text and instant messages, email, social networking blogs, or Web pages to harass, embarrass, and intimidate other children.

Bullying can include false rumours, posting embarrassing pictures, sending offensive messages, harassment (sometimes sexual), stalking, threats or extortion.

There are differences between schoolyard bullying and cyber bullying.

• The cyber bully uses technology to spread his or her offensive messages to many more people quickly;
• The cyber bully's sense of anonymity can embolden him or her to make their offensive behavior more vicious.

If your child uses Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, MySpace or Meebo Instant Messenger or Google Talk and other social chat, then the likelihood of them encountering cyber bullying or grooming online is increased.

How to handle it

We teach our children the difference between right and wrong, but we do not always take the time to remind them that the same rules apply online and on mobile phones.

Whether bullies or victims isn't it better to make sure children know how to handle the situation?

• We have to talk to our children and make sure they know the golden rules and understand that it applies to their use of mobile phones, PCs and the internet
• We have to monitor their use of technology. If they join social networking Web sites, ask to see any profile or Web page they create
• If they are bullies or victims, it will be clear to you

Is your child a victim?

If your child is a victim of cyber bullying, they may not tell you about it. Often they are embarrassed, or they fear you will over react, or they fear that you will restrict or curtail their mobile phone or online activities to protect them. If they do not tell you of their own accord, here are some warning signs you should watch for

• Your child seems to be upset, sad or angry after using their mobile phone or PC
• Your child withdraws from friends or activities that they usually enjoy
• Your childs school grades decline, or he or she expresses anger or dissatisfaction with school or a specific class
• Your child shows unusual signs of depression or sadness