By Morgan Hunt

According to stopbullying.gov: cyber bullying is any form of harassment on electronic technology

The tools a cyber bully uses can be a cell phones, computer, or tablet
Forms of abuse can be put on text messages, social media sites, websites, chats, or blogs Sameer Hinuja (2011) states that two thirds of youth go online every day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v mQ8nM7b6XQ

Everything posted online instantaneously becomes public knowledge and self-censorship needs to be imbedded into students because they need to understand how serious this issue is becoming and how fast it is on the rise.
Students are turning to this new found form of harassment and abuse because it is less visible than physical abuse, immediately dangerous, use for power and social manipulation, and it spreads gossip and lies fast.

 International Society for Technology in Education published a proposed set of national standards for technology education of high school age and younger students. Students are called on to "exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information technology and discuss consequences of misuse," the standards say Acceptable use policies outlining correct behavior online Teachers responsibility to monitor and control what students are looking at Filtering Software Plagiarism Infringement of copyrights and trademarks
http://partners.nytimes.com/library/tec h/00/02/cyber/education/16education.h tml#1

 Behavior modification Teach the "golden rule Voicing feelings via I-messages: "I feel _(say feeling)__ when you _(describe action)__ because _(say why the action connects to the feeling)__ Increase monitoring of students behavior and attitude towards others in the classroom Develop a code of conduct Reinforce alternative behaviors Work with the parents

 Damaging thoughts of the mental pain they are struggling with, humiliation, rejection, and loneliness are the most prominent major causes in low selfesteem among youth today. Among others are: severe anxiety, depression, and stress related disorders, even suicide, severe developmental struggles with aggressive and sexual behaviors, as well as anger, hurt, embarrassment, or scarred self-esteem, agrees that it is very dangerous to youths mental health and explains that it can ruin a minors reputation (inside or outside of the school setting), and also makes it very difficult for them to develop healthy interpersonal skills because harassment directly attacks the psyche.

Harvard Mental Health letter adds that acting out in anger at home, changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite, and isolation are other key elements to identifying if this is happening to a student. Sparks (2011) says that it can be evident in a childs demeanor as well, because they show signs of relational aggression, lose social skills, become ostracized or excluded, become more emotional than usual, and even just their face can look unhappy or depressed. It takes away confidence and adds family, academic, psychological and behavioral problems. emotional distress during and after school, withdrawal from friends or activities, avoidance of school or social gatherings, and slipping grades are among the most evident signs shown by victims that they are being bullied in some form.

 Educate on the severe negative effects of cyber bullying Increase adult supervision of interactions going on within the classroom Create a positive classroom environment Establish and consistently enforce consequences for any form of bullying Teach specific skills and values in the classroom; empathy, impulse control, and taking a stand Build students' sense of responsibility for their school community

These approaches have shown to reduce cyber bullying by up to 50% and they include: A school wide foundation that offers universal interventions; a value system based on caring, respect, and personal responsibility; positive discipline and supports; clear behavioral expectations and consequences; skills development; and increased adult supervision and parental involvement. Early interventions that target specific risk factors and teach positive behavior and critical-thinking skills at the classroom level, including lessons, discussion, and parent meetings. Intensive individual interventions that provide bullies and victims with individual support through meetings with students and parents, counseling, and sustained child and family supports.

Hinduja, S. (2011). High-tech cruelty. Educational Leadership, 68, 48-52.

New, M. (2009). Cyberbullying. Positive Parenting. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/cyberbullying.ht ml?ETF=65413#

Protecting youths from online harassment: Cyberbullying and sexting are among the risks to be aware of. (2011). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 28, 4. Sparks, S. (2011, February 2). Researchers look for ways to curb 'mean girls' and gossip. Education Week, 30, 8. Zay, S. (2011). What sticks & stones can't do, Facebook willand more! USA Today Magazine, 139, 56-57.