Regardless of whether we were the target, many of us can still name the boy (or girl) who terrorized our play grounds as we grew up. Unfortunately, today our children must still contend with the physical menacing and emotional taunting by such bullies. But in today’s electronic world, anyone who uses electronic media may also become a victim of cyberbullying. Although it has been said that the main targets of cyber abuse are teens, younger children -- and even adults -- may be exposed to this threat.

     Cyberbullying has been described as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text.” It has become a significant problem across America, and undoubtedly the world.  It can happen through web sites, text messaging, cell phones, three-way calling, video, blogs and any other form of communication that occurs electronically.

     While victims of cyber bullies often, but not always, know their taunter, cyberbullies can be particularly dangerous because they may act anonymously. Unlike the playground bully, whose opportunities are limited by time and locale -- and perhaps even further through playground, school room, and parental supervision -- cyber bullies may operate under the radar, 24 hours each day. And while cyberbullies leave no signs of physical harm, the damage to their victims is very real, and can be more painful and longer lasting. According to several sources, cyber victimization has been shown to cause poor grades, emotional spirals, poor self-esteem, repeated school absences, depression, and in some cases suicide.

     The National Crime Prevention Council suggests that more than half of American teens are exposed to cyber bullying in some form. According to one study, victims report the primary cyber bullying location occurs in chat rooms (56 percent). Instant messaging was second (49%), and e-mail third (28%).

     In one study, more than half of study participants reported they felt cyber bullying is as bad as or worse than bullying in real life. Fifty-eight percent of those victimized have not told their parents or an adult, but 38 percent did tell an online friend. However, the situation only improved for 19% of victims, when they told someone about the bullying.

     Next week we will discuss what can be done to protect against cyberbullying,