“Sticks and Stones…”
We are most likely familiar with the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. However, is this really true? For anyone who has been on the receiving end of bullying, or even a scathing reproach, know how deep words can cut and hurt the heart. Bullying in the ‘Sticks and Stones’ era, typically started when a child stepped onto the bus, endured during the school day, ended as the bus pulled back into the driveway. For today’s teens, or older ones, bullying has broadened its aching wounds. It can now be a constant bullying via electronic devices that can be left on 24/7.
Cyberbullying or cyberharassment is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means, also known as online bullying. Cyberbullying is when someone, typically teens, bully or harass others on the internet, particularly on social media sites. Harmful bullying behavior can include posting rumors, threats, sexual remarks, a victims’ personal information, or pejorative labels (i.e. hate speech). WIkipedia
Cyberbullying typically includes the following 4 items:
- Willful: The behavior has to be deliberate, not accidental.
- Repeated: Bullying reflects a pattern of behavior, not just one isolated incident.
- Harm: The target must perceive that harm was inflicted.
- Computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices: This, of course, is what differentiates cyberbullying from traditional bullying
https://cyberbullying.org/what-is-cyberbullying
There are so many detrimental effects on cyberbullying, that as a parent, we need to educate ourselves on the effects & signs of cyberbullying, establish rules, as well as what to do if our child is one bullying others or has been bullied. Having the knowledge that bullying begins in grade school, and once given a digital device, can quickly escalate into cyberbullying. As a teen or child, need to learn how to not give into the temptation of hitting send & who we can turn to if we are being bullied. . As schools, we need to educate staff to recognize signs of possible bullying & how to report it. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it
There are many useful websites available for information on cyberbullying. Using Biblical guidelines and safe boundaries for ourselves and children, as found on our website: http://siouxlandmmc.com/resources-guides/modern-media-guidelines/
Above all we all need to remember that in all things with our digital devices that “Thou God seest me” (Gen. 16:13) & to “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth”. (Eph 4:29a).