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title Cyberbullying


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HOME
button TABLE OF CONTENTS
button DEFINITIONS
button THE NET GENERATION
button A CASE STUDY
button ONLINE BEHAVIOUR
button STATISTICS
button LAW ENFORCEMENT
button PREVENTION
button COMMUNITY AWARENESS
REFERENCES
button ENDNOTES
SOURCES
EXTERNAL LINKS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS



 

Community Awareness


There is a necessity for parents and the community at large to educate themselves about the  technology.   They must try to understand how young people are using these communication technologies.  It is also important that parents question and try to understand the importance of these tools, while keeping the communication open with their children.  If a young person feels that they will be barred from using e-mail, instant messaging or entering chat rooms if they report a problem to their parents, they will be unlikely to initiate a discussion.  It is important to remember that while Internet use can be restricted and monitored, for the Net Generation the Internet and cell phones are a lifeline to their peer group.  Adults need to distinguish between inappropriate use of the technology and the technology itself.  

Parents can encourage responsible Internet use and educate young people of the visibility of the Internet.   Family online contracts for computer use can be beneficial. 

When bullying or inappropriate behaviour occurs is important to listen and take action, reporting and dealing with school if it is by a fellow student.  Parents and students should be aware of the school policy regarding computer use.  Cyberbullying often occurs legally out of reach of schools as it happens at home on home computers and on private e-mail accounts and phones.  "While such actions often take place in private homes in evenings and on weekends, the fallout happens during the school day, leaving teachers and administrators to clean up the mess."17

When necessary, incidents should be reported to the police and the Internet Service Provider.  Problems with use of the phone should be reported to the phone service provider and if necessary the number may need to be changed.