Many people around the world have described Cyber Bullying as a modern day epidemic and to a degree, I am of a similar opinion. When speaking about our teens and pre-teens, Cyber Bullying is one of the leading concerns for parents and for kids themselves. Recent numbers coming out of the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that a stagering 43% of school aged children have experienced Cyber Bullying in some form. This can vary from simple throw away comments online to a child being targeted in a long term campaign of harassment and abuse by one or more peers. Though the former is the most likely parents will encounter, it seems the later is becoming more and more common.
It is important in the lower forms of Cyber Bullying, that we help our kids evolve adequate coping mechanisms and get them to communicate their fears and concerns at the earliest time, rather than letting it stew away. Communication with your child is the key. Not only talking to them, but also giving them the opportunity to talk to you and others. We must also remember that kids learn from us as parents, so it is important that when any arguments or heated discussions happen in the home, we make sure we are seen to resolve them openly and honestly in front of the child. This way they will see that conflict can be deflected and is not the end of the world.
However, there were many cases that came across my desk as a Police Officer that caused me to shake my head and really become concerned as a parent. These are the cases where the victim of Cyber Bullying has been subjected to a long term and systematic hate campaign, that I am sure seemed endless to the child and their parents. What do we do in these cases? In most of these cases, the children will certainly know each other personally and will more than likely go to the same school. As parents, if we are unaware of what is happening, we must get to know the warning signs - Kids Helpline offer some great info on Cyber Bullying and its affects on kids and how to deal with the direct affects as a parent, please refer to that link. One of the greatest frustrations I see as a parent, is "Cyber Bullying" is not actually legislated in the state of Western Australia. That is right, it is not actually against the law.
Considering the impact it is having on so many kids and schools in WA, our legislators have still not presented legislation WA Police can use. The only charge WA Police can use that comes close, is the Federal Offence - Use Carriage Service to Harass, Menace and Cause Offence : Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act. So if you have a son or daughter who is the victim of serious Cyber Bullying, then it is important you speak with your local police regarding this charge, especially if all other avenues to resolve the issue locally (school, other parents, mediation) have been exhausted.
Tips to minimise the effect of Cyber Bullying:
- Record, Copy, Screen Capture everything and save it to your computer. Police will require as much information as they can to take action.
- Dramatically minimise the ability for your child to be contacted online. Have them work online in your presence and have them close their Social Networking accounts for a period of time until the harassment abates.
- Ensure your child does not retaliate or respond in anyway, either directly or indirectly. It is important the offender can be clearly defined as the aggressor.
- Make sure your school is fully aware of what is happening and that action is being taken. Ensure the school maintain a diary of your contact with them on all occasions.
- Seek professional assistance if your child is showing signs of self harm or other affects.