A Much More Dangerous Type Of Bully

This article pertains to one of the more unpleasant aspects of the Internet. There is much which is good about the Web, thankfully there is more good than bad. However like anything else, there is bad to accompany the good. One point I would like to mention is referred to as "Cyber Bullying". Although much of this is typically done by children and teens, unfortunately adults can sometimes forget the meaning of common decency and participate in this activity. It is possible to lose one's grip on reality from time to time. However, that doesn't excuse forgetting how to treat another human being. Actually, there is no excuse for making someone's life a living hell. When the bullying is done by a child or teen, we have to wonder about what values they have been taught. When it is done by an adult, we should wonder what values they are teaching.

Bullying, by children can sometimes be found on the school playground. Teachers are routinely trained to deal with this. As parents, it is a very difficult situation to confront. This is one of those situations parents are never quite sure they handled correctly. If the child was doing the bullying, the parent has to wonder if something we missed through the years, if the act was influenced by the child's peers or if any other outside influence is to blame. If the child has been the recipient of bullying, the question of violence being responded to by more violence is appropriate. What makes matters worse is the increase of the use of lethal weapons among the very young. Bullying on the Internet is different in a couple of ways. First, it may not always be possible to positively identify the person responsible. Secondly, although it might be threatened, physical violence is not present.

Although this may sound strange to some, many will fully understand what I am saying. In some cases, especially with children, the emotional effect of online bullying can be far worse tan the violence on the playground. Black eyes can heal, a missing tooth can be replaced. However the scars inflicted by this act will sometimes last a lifetime. Sadly, there are cases in which a child who has been the target of cyber bullying does not have the opportunity to recover. Children seek to belong. Having friends, being popular, is important to them. Sure, they all experience rejection from time to time. However, after enough rejection emotional scars begin to form. Should he, or she, be held to ridicule by friends at school, by those from which approval is sought, it can easily devastate them.

As a parent we want out children to learn, have jun while being online. However, it is important we remain aware of everything we possibly can. As important as monitoring what they see, is observing their demeanor once they are off the computer. Are they themselves? Do they seem distant or upset? Do they making eye contact? You know your children, begin reading between the lines.

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Casey Trillbar is the editor of makeawebsiteguide.com, which is a website aimed at supplying a step by step guide on how to make a website. http://www.makeawebsiteguide.com

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