Hello everyone it's been awhile that I have not written but with children finishing exams and finishing their school my plate was a little over flowing. Thank God that summer has begun and I can relax and get down to the nitty gritty of blogging once again and getting everyone's opinions, stories and testimonies.
Today I want to go into the virtual world and start going into a subject that has hit many of us and even some young kids, cyberbullying.
CYBERBULLYING can easily be defined as:
- When the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
- Sending e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender, but it may also include threats, sexual remarks, pejorative labels (i.e., hate speech), ganging up on victims by making them the subject of ridicule in forums, and posting false statements as fact aimed at humiliation
- Gossip, instigation of others to gang up on target on forums, news groups and chats ( ex.facebook, group blogs..etc)
Although intentional or even sometimes unintentional cyberbullying can cause lots of harm. When items are posted on a blog or chat room it's hard to retract those views or opinions of that person, persons or individuals involved.
The website www.ehow.com/cyberbullying states:
The two most common types of cyberbullying is the bullying contacting his victim directly (direct attacks) and the bully using a accomplice to torment his victim. The latter is referred to as "cyberbullying by proxy". The accomplice may or may not know he is being used as a pawn by the bully. However, if an adult knows or is involved in the tormenting it would not be considered cyberbullying; this would be defined as "cyberstalking" or "cyberharassment".
Cyberbully victims will often suffer in silence for fear of being tormented even more than what they currently are. Also, a victim may keep the bullying from a parent of guardian because she may be scared she will lose her internet privileges--or the right to use her other electronic communication devices. In some cases, victims of cyberbullying are not even aware they are being bullied.
Cyberspace has been used as a weapon to hurt, harm and otherwise deface many in the internet. And yes, even though we do have free speech their should always be a form of decorum of how you should present yourself while you are online. Think, would you necessarily say that about that person or persons if they were if front of you and how far are you willing to go to make an example of them and damage them for the rest of THEIR LIVES?! Remember print last forever and the internet lasts longer than that.
States and government officials have started doing everything to put restrictions on cyberbullying and cease the senseless acts of cyberbullying. And again although we have freedoms we want to ensure that those freedoms don't spoil innocent blood, like Amanda Todd and countless others.
Currently the states that have cyberbullying laws are Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Jersey, Oregon, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. There are no federal laws as of yet but in the future there maybe a possibility that cyberbullying will or could become a federal law.
All states have laws against harassment, including all schools have codes for harrasment whether suspensions or expulsions. Many schools have joined forces in many counties in different states to build a strong NO CYBERBULLYING programs for their students. And even though they do, many students still stay silent. That's where a strong communication within your family unit comes into play.
Make sure that you talk about all issues no matter how big or small within your family. Let your children feel comfortable in telling you anything even if they feel responsible. Build a line of trust and do not waver from it even if you feel that what they might be doing is not in their best interest and be sensitive in giving your opinion. Place boundaries for your kids in the long run; kids would rather you show love by restrictions than not pay attention to them at all. REMEMBER DON'T BE YOUR CHILD'S BEST FRIEND, BE A PARENT!
Yes, facts about cyberbullying have been found in the Bible. The word of God comments on cyberbullying and those who obsess over running " smear campaigns", constructed to defame the names of the innocent. The Bible addresses harassers who inflict abuse on good citizens they've never met. Those who find their pleasures in hurting others are wholeheartedly disliked, and rebuked by God. No one likes cyberbullying and harassing. In fact, God has a special disdain for abusive folk. Facts about cyberbullying glare forth from the pages of scripture.
Most Important Biblical Fact about Cyberbullying: Psalm 36:1
Psalm 36:1 "The transgression of the wicked sayeth within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes." Cyberbullying is a wicked occupation. This is a most important fact. To harass and abuse innocent victims on-line is wickedness. These transgressors lack compassion. In their heart, they believe God is not watching. They hover behind their computers. They are confident that not a soul can see or catch them. Cyberbullying criminals have no fear of God or anyone else. Victims and everyone else, surely agree, that stalking others is wickedly hurtful.
GOD BLESS
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