Cyberbullies and Cybervictims

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

From Medscape Pediatrics

Cyberbullies and Cybervictims -- What's the Clinician's Role?

An Expert Interview With Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD

Posted: 10/25/2010

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Summary Points

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of technology, and there has to be pure intent to cause negative consequences for the other person.

Cybervictims may tend to be more vulnerable once they've been victimized online compared with in the schoolyard. In fact, studies have shown that cyberbullying has a much more profound impact than traditional schoolyard bullying.

Cyberbullying behavior often occurs because young people are often emotional and don't understand the rules of behavior or how to communicate to begin with. In addition, anonymity and the ease at being able to send a message increases the risk for this behavior.

Parents need to have a high index of suspicion if they observe physical and behavioral changes related to changes in their child's communication through their devices.

Parents and clinicians should take seriously any concern expressed by their child about cyberbullying.

Parents should print out all records of cyberbullying behavior and assess for degree of harm, including those that might require legal steps.

Simple steps to stop cyberbullying include blocking the bully on social media and working with email and phone carriers to block messages from the bully.

Use the mnemonic RITE, which helps young people learn to post appropriately.

Read any message that you write before you post it.

Imagine if you were receiving that message whether it would be hurtful in anyway.

Think about whether it needs to be sent now or if it can wait.

E is enter. You only want to hit "Enter" and send that message when you are sure that that message is the right one to send at the right time.

Sexting is particularly dangerous behavior because it has legal ramifications. If young people do it and get caught, they can be tried and labeled as sex predators.

The pediatrician or primary care clinician plays a major role in protecting children from cyberbullying:

-They can monitor mental and physical health effects and serve as the conduit to a mental health provider.

-They can post information in their office.

-If they send out regular mailings to patients, they can include information on cyberbullying.

-They can help families find key resources.

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Adults should also take note of what cyber-bullying is too.