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Cyberbullying: What to Do If It Happens to Your Teen
Friday, May 16, 2008
SAN DIEGO, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyberbullying, using the Internet, cell
phones, or another type of communication technology to hurt or embarrass
others, is an increasingly common problem among today's youth. In a recent
study conducted by the National Crime Prevention Council and Harris
Interactive Inc., more than 43% of teens ages 13-17 have experienced
cyberbullying within the past year.
According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, about 93% of
teens use social media Web sites, and 55% of online teens have created a
profile through social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. These
sites allow teens to express their feelings online for the cyber world to
view. Often motivated by anger, frustration or boredom, cyberbullies harass
individuals by posting negative comments and pictures.
Victims of cyberbullying usually feel a wide range of emotions, including
indifference, anger and embarrassment. According to a study conducted by
Fight Crime, only 35% of teens have told a parent about being cyberbullied;
16% have told no one.
Parents need to be aware of cyberbullying by monitoring their teen's
online activity. If a cyberbully harasses your teen, the California
Association Marriage and Family Therapists offers the following tips for
parents:
* Encourage your teen not to respond to the bullying.
* Save pictures and messages as evidence.
* Contact your teen's school to report the cyberbullying.
* Closely monitor your teen's computer use.
* Try to identify the individual doing the bullying.
* If possible, block the cyberbully from future contact.
* Try to contact the cyberbully's parents, if possible.
* Contact the police or an attorney if cyberbullying becomes violent.
Cyberbullying should not be taken lightly. If your child is seriously
troubled by a cyberbully and it affects his or her emotional or mental
behavior, consider seeking professional help. A Marriage and Family Therapist
can help your teen build communication skills and develop strategies to solve
problems effectively. For more information about Marriage and Family
Therapists, or to locate a therapist in your area, visit
http://www.TherapistFinder.com.
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), with
27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization,
representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT
provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to prospective patients looking for
marriage and family therapists located in California. For more information
about CAMFT, call (858) 292-2638 or visit http://www.camft.org.
SOURCE California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
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