Cyber Bullying

NCPC, the group best known for McGruff the Crime Dog, says it hopes this high profile case will shed the necessary light on how devastating cyberbullying can be to our young people. NCPC says adults are not immune to cyberbullying either and shows how easily cyberbullying can lure in both perpetrator and victim. NCPC’s cyberbullying prevention brochure is available at www.ncpc.org to help parents and their teens get a grip on cyberbullying.


The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) commented today on the pending sentencing of Lori Drew, the mother whose cyberbullying emails led to a young girl committing suicide.



NCPC, the group best known for McGruff the Crime Dog, says it hopes this case will shed the necessary light on how devastating cyberbullying can be to our young people. NCPC says adults are not immune to cyberbullying either and shows how easily cyberbullying can lure in both perpetrator and victim.



In fact, NCPC says it is easier to bully online because the perpetrator can hide behind the anonymity of the Internet and do things he or she is not likely to do in person. NCPC applauds the states pursuing legislation on the cyberbullying issue. The agency believes bullying is not a rite of passage but a pathway leading to long-lasting and potentially devastating consequences.



NCPC positioned itself in the forefront of this serious issue when it released its cyberbullying prevention campaign in 2007. NCPC’s research showed more than 43 percent of teens reported being victims. Even more troubling is that only one out of 10 kids told their parents.



NCPC’s cyberbullying prevention brochure is available at www.ncpc.org to help parents and their teens get a grip on cyberbullying.



Here’s what you can do to prevent cyberbullying



* Set an example. Parents have to show their teens how to resolve conflict peacefully. Lead by example and treat others with respect.
* Discuss the issue. Set expectations for online behavior and discourage your teen from posting others’ personal information or contributing to slam sites. Parents should adhere to those rules too.
* Set guidelines. Set rules for Internet use and monitor your teen’s use of technology (Internet, cell phones, and other devices). As teens get older, they believe their parents should be more concerned with what they see and hear online.
* Select a central location. Place your home computer in a central place in your home, such as your kitchen or living room. It is easier to monitor your teen’s Internet use this way.
* Encourage positive behavior. Make sure your teen is not sending or posting text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
* Save the evidence. If your teen has been cyberbullied, make sure that you copy all messages and websites—you may need them for reporting purposes.
* Block cyberbullying messages. Learn how you and your teen can block cyberbullying messages through your Internet service provider, social network site, or chat room moderator. Seventy-one percent of teens believe this is the most effective way to prevent cyberbullying.



To schedule an interview, please contact Michelle Boykins at 202-261-4184 or Amy Vimislicky at 202-261-4156. For more information on the public education campaign, visit www.ncpc.org.





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