Cyberbullying is ruining lives, but teens fight back

Photo: taliesin@morguefile

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - Making Change by Donna Rae Scheffert,Washington

 Donna Rae 

NORTHFIELD, Minn., November 15, 2011 — Peter Jacobs was a popular soccer player until he missed a goal and lost the championship game. Cyberbullying started, and he lost his popularity, his girlfriend, and his confidence.

Online bullying, or Cyberbullying, happens when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens. (NCPC), 2011).

How can we speak out and fight back to reduce Cyberbullying? Peer influences are powerful in middle and high school. So, how about using technology and peer influence to grab attention?

Peter is a fictitious character portrayed in a short video clip about Cyberbullying created by two ninth graders.

Peter’s story can be viewed in homes, classrooms, youth groups, and other forums to spark conversation about Cyberbullying and solutions. Youth recently created Video Public Service Announcements (PSA) on Cyberbullying for contests sponsored by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and local groups.  The winning videos made locally, as well as the runner-ups, pack an emotional punch.

The Video PSA’s show stories that include common forms of Cyber Bullying including: (i-SAFE, America, Inc., 2011)

         A threatening e-mail

         Nasty instant messaging session

         Repeated notes sent to the cell phone

         A website set up to mock others

         “Borrowing” someone’s screen name and pretending to be them while posting a   message.

According to Cyber bullying statistics

• Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying.
• More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats online.
• Over 25 percent of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet.
• Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs.

There are steps you and your friends can take to stop Cyberbullying and stay cyber-safe by employing the many different interventions have been done to reduce Cyberbullying. Even some teens themselves have figured out ways to prevent Cyberbullying.

Bullying causes isolation and sadness.

The NCPCsuggests following in the footsteps of other quick-thinking teens and

         Refuse to pass along Cyberbullying messages

         Tell friends to stop Cyberbullying

         Block communication with Cyberbullies

         Report Cyberbullying to a trusted adult

Don’t forget that even though you can’t see a Cyberbully or the bully’s victim, Cyberbullying causes real problems. If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. Delete Cyberbullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it.(NCPC), 2011).

Here are some prevention tips to avoid bullies online (i-Safe, 2011)

         Don’t give out private information such as passwords, pins, name, address, phone number, school name, or family and friends’ names. This information can be used by bullies and other harmful people on the Internet. Don’t even reveal your password to your friends. They might reveal it or use it against you in a fight.

         Don’t exchange pictures or give out e-mail addresses to people you meet on the internet. Ask permission from parents when it is necessary to give such information.

         Don’t send a message when you are angry. It’s hard to undo things that are said in anger.

         Delete messages from people you don’t know or those from people who seem angry or mean.

         Realize that online conversations are not private. Others can copy, print, and share what you say or any pictures you send. Be careful!

If you believe that “a picture is worth a thousand words” watch these videos.

“That Losing Goal” is the creation of Samantha Roback and Hanna Bubser, ninth graders in Northfield. Both girls have been active in drama as well as video production. Their tale is about a popular boy named Peter Jacobs who misses a goal in a championship soccer game. Afterwards, he is the target of cyber bullying.

“Words Have Power” is the production of Zachary Anderson. His video shows the devastating effects of negative words, then rewinds to see what happens when positive words are used.

Watch the video with a tween or teen. Start a conversation about cyber bullying and why it needs to stop. You can also help prevent Cyberbullying by:        

• Speaking with other students, as well as teachers and school administrators, to develop rules against Cyberbullying
• Raising awareness of the Cyberbullying problem in your community by holding an assembly and creating fliers to give to younger kids or parents
• Sharing NCPC’s anti-cyberbullying message with friends. (NCPC), 2011).

Fight back so fewer young people lose their popularity, friends, and confidence.

Please Comment: What harm have you seen from Cyberbullying? What efforts have you seen to fight back?

Thanks to Northfield Video Contest Sponsors: Healthy Community Initiative, in partnership with the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use, ARTech Charter School and Northfield Public Schools

Read more from Donna Rae Scheffert at Washington Times Communities and Online Leadership Tools.

Donna Rae is an award winning writer, consultant, planner, facilitator, and coach. She holds the coveted ‘Futures’ award was named an Outstanding Faculty member at the University of Minnesota. She has co-authored five books and numerous articles.