Your Child's Health - Archive

Also in this issue: For Kids, Use Fluoride with Care Anxiety Often Under-Recognized Texting May Send Painful Message When Busy is Too Busy NEWSLETTER HOME PAGE		Cyberbullying Can Happen Anytime, Anywhere Bullying no longer happens just in the school yard or on the way home. Bullies have gone high tech, and no child is immune to their cyber-harassment. Today, bullies use email, Web pages, chat rooms, instant messaging and cell phone text messaging to taunt their victims. More than 13 million children in the U.S. ages 6 to 17 have been the victims of cyberbullying, according to the anti-crime organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids. One-third of all teens and one-sixth of all pre-teens have had mean, threatening or embarrassing things written about them online. That number is up an astonishing 50 percent from a poll taken in 2000, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. Talk to your child Cyberbullying can happen any time of the day or night and anywhere an electronic communications device is present. Girls are twice as likely as boys to be either electronic victims or bullies. “Even before seeing signs of bullying, parents may wish to lay the groundwork for their child to feel comfortable coming to them if cyberbullying is occurring,” said Crista Wetherington, Ph.D., a pediatric psychologist at Children’s Medical Center. “Parents may find it helpful to talk to their child about what the climate is like at school, how kids treat one another, and how they and their friends interact and get along,” she said. “Parents might also want to communicate with the school to find out more about whether cyberbullying is common and what the school’s plan is for handling it,” Wetherington added. Fighting back against cyberbullies How do you fight back? As parents or guardians, the most important weapon is knowledge. Look for signs that your child might be the victim of harassment, such as: social withdrawal. avoiding school. shying away from the computer or telephone. If you suspect your child is a victim of bullying, ask subtle questions such as: “Are there any kids at school who you really don’t like? Why not?” If that doesn’t work, try direct questions such as: “Are there any kids at school who tease you or pick on you?” Tell your kids that telling is not tattling and that you want to help stop the bullying. Also, keep track of your children’s electronic device accounts. Put the computer in an open area of your home and monitor your child’s online usage. Block or filter incoming messages. Change your child’s Internet address or phone number if you have to. Keep records of all cyberbullying in case you have to contact law enforcement officials. Resources Stop Bullying Now! Last reviewed: January 2009		Find a Speciality & Service Request an Appointment Support Children's childrens.com
The health information presented in this email newsletter is intended for information purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. This information should not be used to treat or diagnose a health condition. Always seek advice from a trained healthcare provider. Thank You! For more health information, visit our comprehensive health library.