The Internet isn't just an instrument of information for children, it's a place they interact with friends and, in some cases, bullies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released information and tips for dealing with electronic aggression, a term that encompasses harassment or bullying through e-mail, chat rooms, Web sites, blogs, Instant Messaging or text messages.
Up to 35 percent of youths have experienced electronic aggression, according to the CDC. The most common type was rude or nasty comments, followed by rumor spreading, then threatening or aggressive comments.
Cheryl Fry, the principal of Langford Middle School in Augusta, is well aware of the problem. She cited one occurrence in which a group of girls threatened others over the Internet. When it escalated to school confrontations, it was dealt with following the school system's bullying policy.
She stressed that parents should monitor their children on the Internet: Be nosy, know who they're talking to, and listen.
"We need the parents' assistance to help us with that," she said. "We have enough to do."
Barbara Seigler, the president of the Richmond County Council of PTAs, said cyber bullying is one topic option for Connect with Kids parent workshops planned for later in the year.
Some parents are not as technologically savvy as their children, and education is important for them to know what to look out for, she said.
"It's a subject we're going to have to address because I'm finding more teenagers and younger children are starting to text," she said.
Christopher Young is a father of two and the bylaws and legislative advocate on the Richmond County Council of PTAs. He said parents must be vigilant and informed.
He has talked to his children about which sites are acceptable, and which aren't. If they go to video sites such as YouTube, he monitors which videos they're watching. And he doesn't allow them to get on to social networking sites such as MySpace.
Reach Sarah Day Owen at (706) 823-3223 or sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com.
REPORT FINDINGS
The Centers for Disease Control recently conducted a survey of electronic aggression experiences for ages 10-17. Here are some of their findings:
- Up to 35 percent of those surveyed have been victims of electronic aggression.
- Up to 21 percent have been perpetrators of electronic aggression.
- Girls were found to be more likely to engage in electronic aggression in some studies.
- Up to 14 percent were victims and perpetrators.
- 47 percent of victims went to school with their aggressor.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Here are CDC recommendations to protect your child from electronic aggression:
TALK TO YOUR CHILD: Young people are sometimes reluctant to admit victimization because they're afraid of revoked computer or cell phone privileges. Come up with a solution that doesn't punish your child for his or her victimization.
DEVELOP RULES: Define what is safe and acceptable behavior online.
EXPLORE THE INTERNET: Visit the sites your child has been to.
ENCOURAGE EDUCATION: Call for your school or school district to conduct a class for caregivers about electronic aggression.
LEARN MORE: See www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/electronic_aggression.htm.
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