Teenagers and Cyber and Text Bullying

Social networking sites such as Facebook, My Space and Bebo have become extremely popular with teenagers over the last couple of years. While they are not negative in themselves, they can become a vehicle for cyber bullying.

What is Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying is intimidation on the internet, usually played out through social networking sites. It can come from friends and acquaintances or it may be anonymous through someone using a false identity. Typical bullying includes the posting of threatening or derogatory messages on a teen's networking site, and circulation of embarrassing photos that may have been digitally manipulated.

What is Text Bullying

Text bullying is done through mobile phones. Most teens these days have a cellphone and numbers are shared freely amongst friends. Text bullying includes the sending of offensive or threatening text messages, large volumes of unwanted messages, and repeated messages from an unknown person.

How can Parents Handle Cyber and Text Bullying

If a teen becomes withdrawn or seems tense or depressed without apparent reason, parents should consider cyber or text bullying as a possible cause. Teens are often reluctant to talk about bullying and if necessary, parents may need to check the history on their son or daughter's phone and computer.

Once it is confirmed that cyber or text bullying is taking place, suggest the teen to do the following and help them with it if necessary:

• Don't reply to bullying text messages but save them onto the phone for future use as evidence if required

• Change cellphone numbers and be careful over who is given the new number

• Take screen shots of offensive messages on social networking sites and send them to the website's administration

• Report the messages to the police and school if they are threatening in any way

• Encourage the teen to talk about their feelings and fears and seek professional counseling for them if you feel it is needed

Safety and Privacy on the Internet

Teenagers can be gullible and may not realize the dangers of giving out personal information on social networking sites. Warn them not to include any personal details such as phone numbers, email addresses and physical address on their page. It is also unwise to accept people as friends if they are not known to the teen. Ask your child to set the privacy settings on social networking sites so that non-friends cannot view any of their information.

Cyber and text bullying are serious problems and the effects on teenagers can be profound. It is important to take action against the perpetrators while offering support to the teens. This is done by helping them stop the bullying and seeking professional help to deal with the emotional damage it may have done.

Reference:

Raising Teens Today , Ian Lambie & Les Simmonds, Random House New Zealand, 2010