Cyber bullying is a real problem in today's generation--how can we put a stop to this?

I wrote this article for an application to a scholarship sponsored by Direct2TV.com

When you pose this question to a group of people, you can end up with a myriad of answers.  The age of the person usually determines the type of answer you will receive.  The proposed solutions can range from the most simple of "just turn off the computer” (from the older generation), to the more complex and clinical suggestion of "tracking down and psychologically treating the perpetrator" (from the more educated population).  Regardless of how vast the spectrum of answers, there are some real ways to try to control and/or stop cyber bullying.

 First, what exactly is “cyber bullying”?  Well, cyber bullying is defined as “actions that uses information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm another or others”.  In everyday language, it simply means “using computers, cell phones, iPads, and such to email, post, text, instant message, or blog hostile or harmful messages or images of or about someone else”. 

So, back to the question, how do we stop it?  The most common response received to this question is: educate.  Educate everyone, especially the young!  It is very important that young people are able to recognize cyber bullying.  By recognizing it and its form, they can determine the next steps in stopping the current situation, and even discover how to prevent future bullying. Getting the word to young people in a language that they understand is the only way to educate them.  This can be done through community programs, pamphlets or booklets, public service announcements, or specially designed school presentations.  Once educated, behaviors can be changed.  This is a vital second step in stopping cyber bullying.  Behavioral change however, is two sided—bullies have to change, and victims also have to change. 

Bullies need to be educated to understand the impact their statements, texts, posts, and blog entries can have on others.  They need to know that what they view as a “joke” or a “get-even tactic” can be life shattering for someone else.  They must also realize that campaigns waged through social media to “teach someone a lesson”, can very well push a person to take their life. On the flip side, victims also need to change their behavior. They need to be educated that it is ok to speak up, that they really need to bring these “campaigns” to the attention of someone in authority. 

As a society, we have come to recognize that cyber bullying is a definite problem, and a majority of states do have laws now specifically for “electronic forms of harassment”, however, there needs to be tougher laws and penalties.  We need to recognize cyber bullying for what it is…a crime.  We need to stop dismissing it as “kids being kids”. Teens need to take responsibility for their actions and know that there are consequences for them.  Parents should to take true responsibility and monitor their kids, both the bullies and the victims. 

Lastly, open and honest communication in the home, as well as throughout society about cyber bullying is probably the best way to combat this growing epidemic.