Bullying is no longer something that happens in the schoolyards. With the use of technology, cyberbullying has become an increasing problem.
Dr. Teresita Ruiz, the Assistant Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, explained that cyberbullying involves using technology and digital devices to harm someone.
This can be done using computers, the internet, social networking sites and cell phones. It can take the form of text messages, instant messages and emails.
“Cyberbullying is just an extension of schoolyard bullying except that it occurs in a different environment,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz said that cyberbullying can have a negative impact on its victims, particularly emotionally. It can lead to anger, frustration, humiliation, sadness and depression. Students might stop going to school, their grades might drop and they might start to withdraw and isolate themselves.
As has been seen in some high profile cyberbullying cases, it can even lead to suicide.
Ruiz said that the impact of cyberbullying can be great because of the permanence of the humiliation. She also noted that, in the case of social networking sites, the audience is wider, which can also have a great impact.
And, with cyberbullying, it doesn’t end with the school day.
“It happens even in places where we think it’s safe,” such as at home, Ruiz said.
Ruiz said many of the perpetrators don’t think about the consequences, which can include legal action or school suspension.
Ruiz explained that warning signs that a child is a victim of cyberbullying include not being able to sleep, not wanting to do activities they usually do, not wanting to answer their phone or use the internet, being isolated or withdrawn, being sad, irritable or frustrated and having suicidal thoughts.
The warning signs that a child is a perpetrator include using multiple online accounts, longing in using a different name and using different email addresses.
“The best thing that a parent could do is talk to their children,” Ruiz said. “They always have to have open communication with their children.”
Ruiz also said that caretakers and educations should take a proactive role and talk to children to educate them.
Other steps that parents can take include limiting cell phone and internet use and keeping the computer in a family room where it is visible.
“Prevention is the best defense for cyberbullying,” Ruiz said.
