Cyber Bullying

Cyber Bullying- A Growing Problem

A nationwide effort has the Chippewa Valley taking a closer look at a
growing problem at home.

Were talking about cyber bullying. In the past kids were able to leave
bullies at school, now they can follow a child home sometimes making
life unbearable for those kids.

Now there's a nationwide effort to raise awareness of cyber bullying.

A national public service announcement contest started with the help
of Sony, the Ad Council, and the National Crime Prevention Council.

Dr. Justin Patchin of UW- Eau Claire is one of the first researchers
to bring attention to this new form of bullying. Bullies will use cell
phones and the Internet to bully kids.

"Kids just do it, because they don't think they will get caught. And
it's easier than having the guts to go up to someone and say something
like that."

Kaylee Rindy is a student at South Middle School, she and her friend
Amanda Munger are well aware of cyber bullying.

"It's a really common thing. It's so easy; all these conversations
that you can just send them to all your friends in like a click."
Amanda said.

Cyber bullying can range from being ignored or disrespected, all the
way to physical threats to their safety. Dr. Patchin says at least a
third of kids who regularly use the Internet have experienced cyber
bullying.

"A lot of the same kinds of things that have commonly been done on the
playground, but now kids are using computers, the Internet and cell
phones to carry these things out," Dr. Patchin said.

Those messages can leave a big toll on kids; the emotional damage can
be long lasting

"Kids aren't telling adults about these experiences. Less than 15
percent of kids we interviewed actually told a parent or a teacher."
Patchin said.

Patchin also adds, "It does significantly affect the lives of
adolescents. As you know, kids grow up online and in many ways their
lives revolve around their computers."

School administrators at South say they handle cyber bullying the same
as regular bullying, but can't do anything if kids don't come forward.
Dr. Patchin says parents need to get more involved by asking their
kids questions specifically about bullying.

If you want to learn more about cyber bullying or want more
information about the national public service announcement contest,
click on links, then cyber bullying.