Bullying-- source #9

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I'm sure we all remember the phrase, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." While it made sense at the first time we learned about it, it has become especially clear how this idea is not true. In this audio, Scott Meech, a computer and technology teacher at Plano Middle School, talks about the rise of cyber-bullying which has been used to bully others. It has become so prevalent in all of America and he asserts that this form of bullying is worse than physical bullying. His explanation is simple.  This form of harassment is worse because the victim is seen by larger audience and are long term. Embarrassing pictures or videos are spread through the school quickly and for people who receive them, they can look at the media as often as they like.  Victims of cyber-bullying have no way to hide from it because it spreads through all of technology which is how teens communicate. There is no refuge from harassment. The long-term impact of this type of bullying is greater than traditional, physical bullying.  In addition to pictures and videos being spread to a large audience in a matter of seconds, the largest long-term effect is the loss of a the home as an escape to bullying. When a person is physically bullied, they know they can go home and the bullying will be done. However, with cyber-bullying it enters into the home and is always with the victim. As USA Today reporter Greg Toppo writes, "Vulnerable children have virtually no refuge from harassment. It's a non-stop type of harassment and it creates a sense of helplessness." Bullies use this to traumatize their victims even more. An important concept to understand is that technology cannot be taken away from kids to avoid bullying. It is a part of their everyday life from school work and research to listening to music. While people may blame social networking sites for the problem, it has to be recognized that the technology is harmless but it is the manner in which students are using it which is such a problem.