E-Bullying

Teasing and Bullying go High Tech
Teasing has always been a widespread and universal problem for children. Traditionally, it has been face-to-face encounters that have occurred on the playground, in the cafeteria, in locker areas, or on the school bus. It is now imperative that we expand our direction and scope because of the new and rapidly growing arena where teasing and bullying are happening - electronic technology. 

Kids today are using e-mail, websites, chat rooms, text messaging, and instant messaging to intimidate, humiliate, ridicule, and degrade others. This tech savvy and "always connected" generation can electronically harass anonymously. Computers and cell phones are used to send vicious and sometimes threatening e-mails and text messages. 

Some kids are "tricked" into sharing information while instant messaging, which is then forwarded on to others. Degrading websites are created that include jokes, cartoons, photographs, and stories. Kids chat maliciously on the Internet, post brutal messages on bulletin boards, and spread abusive rumors. Blogs, online diaries, can damage reputations and invade privacy. Bullying has gone "wireless."

Click here to download the Cyber Awareness Quiz for Parents.

Click here to download a kids' survey regarding their Parents' Cyberawareness.

E-bullying workshops for parents now available
Judy Freedman's E-Bullying and E-Teasing Workshops:

• Heighten the awareness of e-teasing, online harassment and cyber-bullying
• Address the various types of online social cruelties
• Examine signs and symptoms parents and educators need to look for
• Discuss reactions to and effects of e-bullying
• Delve into motivations and causes
• Offer prevention advice
• Provide intervention strategies for bullies and victims

Click here to view the workshop's brochure.
(Download requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Have you had or heard about any e-bullying experiences?
Please e-mail Judy about them at: [email protected]