Weather Alert  

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following areas: All five boroughs of New York City, and Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Until 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

Cyberbullying – Threatening Our Youth

Press Releases

By Published: April 24 2013

LongIsland.com

The Long Island Crisis Center provides local parents with the information they need to know about cyber-bullying, and how to make sure their children are protected online.

Print Email

Bellmore, NY, April 24th, 2013 – As the trial of two young men begins involving the sexual assault, cyber bullying and suicide of a California high school student, it is critical that everyone be aware of this latest phenomenon of cyber bullying that is threatening the well-being and lives of young people everywhere.

The reported statistics for cyber bullying of online teens is alarming:  

  • 32% have been targets of annoying or potentially menacing messages.
  •  38% of all girls report being bullied;  and 41% of older girls (ages 15-17) report being bullied.
  • 39% of social network users have been cyberbullied compared with 22% of teens who do not use social networks.
  • 13% have had an experience online that made them nervous to go to school the next day.
  • 55% “look the other way” when they see someone else being mean or cruel online.
  • Only 1 in 6 parents know their child has been bullied over social media;
  • “Hyper-networking” teens (those who spend more than three hours per school day on social networks) are 110% more likely to be a victim of cyberbullying.

“There are warning signs that a child may be a victim of cyberbullying that parents should be aware of,” states Laura Campbell, Community Educator at Long Island Crisis Center.  “It could be changes in behavior that include:  appearing sad, moody or anxious; avoiding school; withdrawing from social activities; experiencing a drop in grades; appearing upset after using the computer; or appearing upset after viewing a text message.”

Parents need to be proactive in this assault on their children:

  • Tell your child that you know about cyberbullying and ask if s/he or their friends have ever experienced it.
  • Emphasize that you do not blame them if they are being cyberbullied and that you will not take away their computer/phone privileges;  the threat of losing their computer/phone time is the main reason kids don’t tell adults when they are cyberbullied.
  • Listen carefully and don’t trivialize what they are experiencing.  Some events may not seem like a big deal to you, but are a serious blow to their self-esteem.
  • Teach your child what to do in cases where s/he feels threatened or bullied.
  • Set rules about online time.
  • Make sure that you know their screen names and passwords and that they don’t include any personal information in their online profiles.
  • Explain that cyberbullying is unacceptable.  Tell them that you expect responsible online behavior and there will be consequences for inappropriate behavior.
  • Become familiar with each person that is on your child’s social media network.

For information about a cyber bullying presentation for your school or community group, call Long Island Crisis Center at 516-826-0244. 

For support, short-term counseling and resources and referrals, call the Crisis Center’s 24/7 hotline at 516-679-1111 or online chat at www.licconline.org or text LICC to 839863.