A call to stop harassment of all kinds

Before the Internet and social-networking sites like Myspace, Facebook and AOL instant messaging, if teens wanted to harass each other it would mostly occur during the school day. It might include some note passing between classes, a crude picture, a vicious rumor. Most harassment could be escaped at the end of school, if only to dread the next day.

Today, harassment of teenagers is available 24-7 through the Internet. Online blogs, the posting and comments on edited photos, instant messages of threats and teasing, all of these are done in the comfort of a teen’s bedroom, away from parents who might notice, yet still in front of those who seem to matter most, classmates.

Cyberbullying is a new form of harassment particularly targeting middle and high schoolers. This type of stalking allows bullies to target and terrorize their “prey” from behind

a computer screen, often

providing anonymity, making it difficult for the target and adults to pinpoint who is responsible. For many perpetrators cyberbullying is a welcome alternative to confronting their victim face to face. Instead of talking to someone at school, they instead send instant messages of threats and cause for fear.

Many of these victims don’t inform authorities of this stalking out of fear that no one will believe them. Since technology is always changing, law enforcement officials often struggle to keep informed of how to keep informed of how to handle these situations.

Because of the numerous problems that have arisen, several schools have taken steps to prevent cyberbullying. Bangor High has held student assemblies and sent home packets to parents, attempting to educate how

important and dangerous this situation can be. Studies have found that those who bully and are bullied are more likely to experience loneliness, trouble making friends, lack of success in school, involvement in problem behaviors such as smoking and drinking, and anti-social behaviors including lack of remorse, deceitfulness and a disregard of personal safety and the safety of others around.

With suicide being the third leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds (behind accidents and homicide) and the tragedies of Columbine and most recently Virginia Tech, it is important to realize the potential consequences of bullying and harassment in schools. Our schools and society need to take cyberbullying as serious as they take physical harassment. We cannot afford to sit and wait for the next school tragedy; we need to take steps now and teach our teens right from wrong and that any form of bullying will not be tolerated. For information visit http://www.cyberbullyhelp.com.

Khara Bennett is a psychology major and an intern with the Alcohol & Drug Education Program at the University of Maine.