Teen Cyber Bullying is Epidemic: What to do

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http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Cyberbullying.aspx
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?idABC=38828208page=1
http://www.news.google.com/news?hl=en8q=teen+cyber+bullying8sourceid=navidient-ff8rlz=183GGGL_en
http://www.kidglue.com/2010/02/04/protect-your-child-from cyber-bullying/

Cyber Bullying by Amanda Lenhart

Cyber Bullying by Bridget Tyler

Teen Cyber Bullying is Epidemic: what do we do?

Tina and Ron Meier have become activists lobbying for new legislation and punishment for cyber bullying after a neighborhood mom posed as a boy, led their daughter on that he wanted to date her, spread rumors on My Space and at school that she was a slut and a mean person.
the mom then pretended that her persona, Josh Evans, wanted nothing more to do with their daughter and dropped her.Their daughter Megan ahd been on anti-depression medication. She
could not face the hate emails and Josj leaving her so she hung herself in her closet.
Their neighbor was never questioned by the police nor charged with a crime.
Amanda Lenhart said that one third of US teenagers are or have been targets of cyber bullying. they have had private emails forwarded to others, threatening messages and mean message about them placed on various sites.

Teens have always treated each other badly; however cyber bullying has turned more and more deadly.
Phoebe Prince, a shy 14 year old was the latest victim of cyber bullying, Jessica Chapdelaine said that her classmates would send her hateful emails. She couldn't handle these. Then someone told erh to hang herself, so she did. Phoebe isn't alone. There are many cases of cyber torment.Some kdsi can't over come this bullying because it does not stay in the school yard like in the old days; it goes home with you. he average teen is connected with technology all of the time.
Patty Aftab has these suggestions to help teens:

1. Teach the teen to"stop, block and tell" a parent or a teacher when it happens.

2. Monitor the teen's behavior. If she is avoiding Face book or retreiving her email, ask her what is going on.

3. Talk to kids about cyber bullying eraly.

4. Make it clear you will help stop it quick once it comes up.

5. If bullies torment the teen, tell the teen to stop and walk away from the computer. Take a few minutes to calm down and the block the tormentor from various accounts.

Do you think that these steps will help? Do you think teens needs additional classes in standing up to bullies? Do you think we need additional legislation?