Police have always been watching for harassment on bathroom walls and physical aggression. But, now, police are on websites to see if people are crossing over the line.
Bullying is not new. The pain it causes is also not new. Schools are more aware of bullying now and taking better steps to eliminate harassment. However, a new form of bullying is emerging and police are very much aware of this newest form of bullying -- cyberbullying. Students are often on computers at schools to check emails and websites. Are they using school computers to harass other students?
Cops on the Net
Laura Schreier of the Dallas Morning News reports that police are vigilant for new threats. Detectives are monitoring websites to watch for "over the top" language on the following:
- A student crush
- Friendship problem
- Physical appearance
- Disabilities
- Clothes
- Race
- Religion
- Sexuality
Proactive Police
Police do not wait until a report is made because nearly 20% of students do not tell parents of a threat by email or MySpace. Police are surfing the web, doing searches, and reading e-mails watching for evidence of harassment. Cyber harassment can turn into physical harassment as situations escalate.
Not Just For Kids
Adults may be victims of cyberbullying. eBay and other sites that sell items may be locations where negotiations may not go as planned. An angry seller or buyer may threaten individuals. There are cases where families have received death threats because of an item for sale that went to someone else.
Other Threats
Cyberbullying is only one threat. It is estimated that over 50,000 predators lurk teen sites like MySpace hoping to catch the next victim. Students also use cell phones for harassment during school hours. Cell phones are taken into locker rooms and bathrooms to catch peers in vulnerable situations to be used for harassment later in the day. These phones are also used for cheating on exams and silent ringers make it possible for students to talk wo each other without teachers hearing the ring. New York schools are banning cell phones.
Parental Supervision
No teenager wants parents to monitor conversations on teen sites. However, in some cases it could be a matter of life and death. Parents should not only talk to children about the dangers of giving out information to strangers but also monitor to make sure their child is not a cyber bully. Teens need support and giving up a little privacy is a small price to pay for safety.
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Copyright article 2006 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
