Help the Fight Against Cyber-Bullying!
Attention parents and guardians everywhere. As of you may know, the 21st Century has taken a turn into a technological era within the past 10 years. Beginning with Instant Messaging and MySpace, to now the most current sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snap chat and Instagram.
This generation of children and young adults frequently use these sites for communication with friends as well as posting pictures, liking, commenting etc. It is important that as a parent you are monitoring your children’s use on these sites. Although your child may be using the sites appropriately, others may not.
It is a sad, cruel reality that these sites are being used for cyber bullying.
Cyber-bullying is the act of threatening and bullying others through the use of a social media site. Although, it may only be words, and not physical, it is the mind that is being manipulated.
In addition to Cyber bullying through these networks, many students are using these sites to pose threats of harm toward schools and other classmates. Do not be fooled though, these acts of crime are not being ignored. Police are able to track the user on these sites and go forth with charges on the acts of the crime. 
In a popular new social media application called “Yik Yak” users are able to write an anonymous post, which can be read by anyone in that geographic area up to a 1.5 mile radius. These are the applications in which it makes cyber bullying and threats much easier to access due to the simple fact that it is a anonymous user.
As a parent/ guardian it is essential to keep track of your child’s use of social media networks. Making sure that they are using them appropriately and thinking smart when it comes to threats and cyber bullying. It is important to let your children know that it is “OK” to come to you, if something is upsetting or bothering them.
Ensure your child’s safety and fight against cyber bullying!
Written by: Amanda Haase
