AT&T PRODUCES FILM TO RAISE ‘CYBERBULLYING’ AWARENESS
Q: What exactly is cyberbullying? A: Cyberbullying is much like face-to-face bullying that many children encounter, yet cyberbullying takes advantage of online tools that can intensify bullying. Cyberbullies often use online anonymity as they engage in behavior such as spreading rumors on social media or posting embarrassing information. With the use of technology, cyberbullies can spread meanspirited content widely and rapidly at any time. This topic can often be difficult to fully understand, which is why AT&T produced a film titled “There’s a Soul Behind That Screen” in connection with the Tyler Clementi Foundation. The film is a great source to help better understand what cyberbullying is and how it can have a lasting effect.
Q: How can parents talk about cyberbullying with their kids?
A: Parents can discuss cyberbullying with their kids by helping them understand what it is and how they can react to it. It’s important to have a discussion with kids about how to know when behavior crosses the line and becomes damaging to others. For parents, it’s important to recognize that kids have their own social dynamics, so helping them directly may be difficult. Encouraging them to find friends or other trusted adults to help them through an incident of cyberbullying can be helpful. Encouraging empathy also will help kids understand the impact cyberbullying can have and help them be an ally to others who may be cyberbullied. Parents can visit AT&T’s Digital You site for more information on how to talk about cyberbullying.
Q: What are some tools or resources to help protect children from cyberbullying?
A: There are some tools online that kids can utilize to protect themselves from cyberbullies. Some great apps to consider include STOPIt, which allows kids to securely and anonymously report cyberbullying or harassment, and the Sit With Us App, which was created for kids to coordinate cafeteria lunches with their friends. Other resources include the AT&T website and movement, #LaterHaters, which empowers kids with tips and tools to identify and combat online cruelty, and I Am A Witness, a campaign that encourages children to stand up against cyberbullying.
Q: When should parents keep an eye out for cyberbullying? A: Parents should keep a consistent eye out for signs that their child may be engaging in cyberbullying behaviors or are victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can be an issue even during the summer months, when children often spend more unsupervised time online connecting with friends. A few quick tips for parents to keep kids safe online during summer and throughout the year: stay connected and learn what kids are doing on the internet; stay current by keeping up to date on online trends and technology; and stay secure by utilizing a password manager on all devices.
Q: How can we encourage kids to stand up against cyberbullying?
A: We must encourage kids to stand up and take action. It’s important that our children learn to trust their gut about what crosses the line and understand that just because someone tries to justify cyberbullying doesn’t mean it’s acceptable. To help kids stand up against cyberbullying, help them recognize how a victim may feel and the impact it can have now and later in life. Encourage them to recognize the times they may have participated in a form of bullying so they’ll think carefully about how they may impact someone else. Finally, it’s important to point out that bullies are usually seeking attention or status, so the best course of action often is to ignore and block a cyberbully.
PAULA BURKES,
BUSINESS WRITER