Cyber Bullying is Emotional Abuse

Computer Crimes Can Psychologically Damage Children

May 31, 2009 Karen Stephenson

Cyber child abuse is a fact of life on the Internet. Chat rooms, instant messaging, social media sites and e-mails have helped to create the cyber bullying epidemic.

Bullying is an age-old societal problem. In recent years, traditional schoolyard taunts have morphed into venomous behavior that intentionally harms the victim and is considered emotional abuse. Cyber bullying is any act of intimidation, aggression or harassment made possible using digital communication devices which is repeated over time. Cyber bullying is a growing problem throughout the world. Most often, this form of bullying occurs between kids who go to the same school or live in the same neighborhood.

Statistics

A 2002 British survey published by Action for Children in the United Kingdom, found that one in four youth aged 11-19 has been threatened via their computers or cell phones, including death threats.

The National Crime Prevention Center in the United States recently conducted research into cyber bullying. Some of their findings include:

• Over 40% of all teenagers with Internet access have reported being bullied online during the past year.
• Out of those 40%, only 10% of those kids who were bullied told their parents and out of that 10%, a mere 18% of the cases were reported to law enforcement agencies.
• Girls are more likely than boys to be the target of cyber bullying.
• Only 15% of parents are aware about their kids' social networking habits.
• Cell phones and cell phone cameras are a growing concern in the cyber bullying world.

Technologies Used to Commit Cyber Crime

1. Social networking web sites: These sites have become the instrument of choice for those youth who want to publicly humiliate another person. These sites also give opportunity to post embarrassing photos, conduct mean-spirited polls and other forms of bullying. Another growing concern in this area is the theft of user identifications and passwords. When one individual steals another's login information, they can access their account and post statements in that person's name.
2. Instant Messaging: Instant messaging is a staple of major Internet companies. It is the most common means of harassment. Many youth have opened multiple email accounts in different names and adopted fake screen names. They use these to “ping” their enemies with profanity and threats of violence.
3. E-mail: E-mail is a relatively anonymous act, especially when a screen name is used that bears no resemblance to their actual name. E-mail is used to send threatening letters and images, and can be the delivery device for rumors and falsehoods about an individual.
4. PhotoShop: The most popular photo editing software is also a device used in cyber bullying. In most cases, an individual will take a photo of another and alter it so that the victim appears to be in a compromising position
5. Blogs: Many teenagers have gone to the extreme to create blogs focusing on their rivals or 'enemies'. These blogs invite user participation via comment posts and creates a permanent entity that intimidates and causes emotional trauma. With little accountability, the bully is free to let loose destructive and hurtful language.

Online Acronyms

Parents need to stay on top of the language used by many of today's youth. Bill Belsey, a Canadian who coined the phrase cyber bullying, has a comprehensive listing of acronyms and emoticons. The following is a small sample of acronyms:

• ASL: age, sex, location
• ASLP: age, sex, location, photo
• ATYS: anything you say
• BFD: big freakin' deal
• CWOT: complete waste of time
• EG: evil grin
• F2F: face to face
• GAL: get a life
• IMAO: in my arrogant opinion
• LTR: long term relationship
• MMAMP: meet me at my place
• POS: parent over shoulder

Cyber Child Abuse Prevention

Spending time on the Internet to learn about cyber bullying is crucial for those who have children. Maintaining a good relationship with youth and talking about the benefits as well as the perils of computers is important in order for kids to feel comfortable and safe in disclosing abuse to their parents.

The copyright of the article Cyber Bullying is Emotional Abuse in Abuse is owned by Karen Stephenson. Permission to republish Cyber Bullying is Emotional Abuse in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Be Aware of Internet Activities

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