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.