AIKEN -- The rules for bullying are different now.
It's no longer confined to a playground taunt or a tease on the way home. Aiken Public Safety Capt. Maryann Burgess, who heads up juvenile cases, says bullying is happening more often through online venues and at younger ages as more children have access to technology.
"Largely, the public isn't aware of what is and isn't a crime, and it's not being reported," Burgess said.
Burgess and Dr. Virginia Jones, a Mossy Creek Elementary School guidance counselor, will head up a cyberbullying seminar tonight to share with parents warning signs of bullying and tips on combating the issue.
"You have to start early," Burgess said.
She said the program, based on information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, will detail how to tell whether a child is a bully or being bullied and how to report an offense. Aiken County schools have a zero tolerance for bullying, but cases go unreported because parents or children don't come forward.
Dr. Jones said she specifically targeted elementary-age pupils because it's easier to curb behavior at their age.
"At the elementary level they don't know what they say or what they do may be hurtful," she said. "If you start now, they're more receptive and willing to learn. It's so important to team with them."
Burgess said children often are given a cell phone or computer access, but parents haven't set expectations for how the devices will be used or outlined consequences for not following the rules.
Jones, who offers intensive counseling for those who are bullying other children, said she works on improving social skills and offers children incentives for exhibiting positive behavior.
A child who is bullied often becomes withdrawn but usually comes forward with the problem if asked, Jones said.
The 45-minute seminar also includes information on tracking computer and cell phone use for children.
WHAT: Cyberbullying seminar
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHERE: Mossy Creek Elementary School
ONLINE: Visit the National center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.netsmartz.org/netparents.htm for information on cyberbullying.
There are a lot of irresponsible parents who have given their children cell phones and computers (often at taxpayer expense) with access to the internet. This seminar will cure the parents? The social engineering expectations of this effort seem to be more than "just a little skewed". Or, this article barely skims over the intent of the seminar.
This is ridiculous. Your child is being cyberbullied? Tell them to get off the computer. Nobody needs to be on Facebook or MySpace. Parents, be a parent!
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