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| Experts Say Online Bullying Emerging As Harrassment Trend |
| By Theindychannel.com |
| Published: 05/31/2004 |
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What used to be limited to the playground and schoolyard is now making its way into homes. School officials in Fort Smith, Ark. told television station KHBS that some students are taking the age-old practice of bullying to the Internet. "Cyberbullying" is the latest trend in childhood harassment, according to experts. Police said the method of harassment involves threats made in chat rooms and through instant messaging. Fort Smith school administrator Randy Bridges has dealt with several students who made Internet threats. He said the ability to be anonymous can fuel behaviors that many students wouldn't exhibit publicly. One month ago, Fort Smith school officials found out how serious Internet threats can be when a Southside High School student sent instant messages threatening to shoot another student. Under a fake screen name she wrote: "I am shooting your girlfriend." Fort Smith police later arrested the girl who made the online threats. Police spokesman Jarrard Copeland said that even though the girl told them that she had no intention of hurting another student, authorities still felt compelled to act. Authorities said parents should follow several guidelines to protect children from online bullying: 1. If a child receives a threatening Internet message, he or she should not open it or reply. 2. If a child is being bullied online, he or she should tell someone and call police. 3. Parents should use special software to keep a close eye on what their children are doing online. 4. The bully wants another child to be upset. Parents should encourage their children not to fall into the bully's trap. |
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