Prevalence of cyberbullying and overcoming digitally abusive behaviors

Growing technology such as social networking websites, blogs, and instant messaging have given rise to bullying experiences in cyberspace. The bully is no longer the big kid picking on the smaller one on the school playground. According to Cyberbullying Research Center, bullying is a rampant problem in schools throughout the nation and bullying acts have escalated with growing communications on Internet. Last year about one million youth reported being harassed, threatened, or other forms of bullying on Facebook. About 20% of all school students reported experiencing cyberbullying and adolescent girls more likely victims of the attacks online. Growing number of teens observe rude and mean communications on Facebook and MySpace leaving them feel frustrated or scared. About 8% of cyberbullying victims have reported thoughts or feeling of suicide. Over 50% of youth reported that they don't think about the consequences of writing harmful or hurtful messages online. cyberbullying is associated with increased social anxiety making girls more likely to feel frustrated and boys more likely to feel scared. The majority of victims report knowing the perpetrators but not telling an adult about the attacks.

This presentation describes scope of online bullying as a national public health problem affecting millions of students. With a focus on prevention, the role of parents, teachers, and school administration will be discussed. Discussion includes a brief review of State cyberbullying laws and policies in place or proposed. Recommendations will be made regarding education and skill building interventions to support healthy peer relationships and strong self-esteem.