NWR7

So, how has social networking contributed to this the evolution of bullying?

Social networking, using websites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and many others, have become a regular part of the lives of teenagers. When used responsibly and cautiously, these tools can be very positive. Many businesses and educational institutions use social networking to communicate with their target audiences. Professionals use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to make and solidify business and academic connections. Unfortunately social networking sites can be used to harass and bully others, meet strangers who could easily be predators, and express oneself in a way that may not occur in a face to face discussion. Parents should be aware of their children's on-line activities and monitor them closely. One particularly disturbing networking site that has recently become extremely popular is Formspring. Users go to Formspring and allow anyone to ask them anything, and respond to those questions. It has become an on-line forum in which students are being bullied and harassed. Users must create an account but questions can be asked anonymously. The discussions that the perpetrators of bullying have about the target of bullying in this kind of question and answer format have been found to be particularly troubling.

High school and college students of Facebook have also come across the issue of potential employers or university admissions departments checking backgrounds. There have been many instances of a student or recent graduate being denied a job or college entrance based upon the personal information that was posted by that person on social networking sites. This information is often used for harassment and bullying as well. Some high school students have posted inappropriate comments or pictures of themselves on social networking sites, which can easily invite predators.

Used properly, social networking websites can be valuable tools for learning and networking. Used inappropriately they can be dangerous and have unforeseen circumstances. The potential for harm of bullying goes well beyond lowered academic achievement and increased absenteeism. Children who are bullied can suffer depression, and post-traumatic stress, a deterioration in health, increased anxiety, loss of self-esteem and confidence, and even self-harm and suicidal thinking.

At Northwestern, these sites are blocked by the filters and the faculty monitors student computer use. Filtering and blocking these websites can prevent a child from accessing these sites if they are determined to use them. Students with smartphones, laptops, etc. can easily access these sites from anywhere outside of school and the home computer. Please have a conversation about the dangers and consequences of inappropriate use of social networking and cyberbullying with your student. (Adapted from northprincipal.blogspot.com)