Radio Commentary
Cyber bullying is a very serious threat to the well-being of our children. Its effects can be devastating.
We have all read news reports of young suicide victims, bullied into believing life was no longer worth living because of relentless cyber attacks.
One can only imagine the ripple effect this has had on the victims, their family, and their community, as well as that of the perpetrators.
Most young people who take part in cyber bullying do it as a joke, or don’t pause to consider the impacts. Throughout human history, young people have shown they can be mean to each other; but the Internet has provided them with the tools to be truly cruel.
Many parents are simply not up to speed when it comes to social network sites or the online places their own children visit. Each day new sites emerge.
Add in the presence of text messages and video messages, and it all means that parenting in the age of cyber crimes is more challenging than ever.
It might seem like a good idea to give a young child a cell phone with Internet access, but parents should consider the tradeoffs they are making when they do so.
Yes, they will be able to stay in touch; but the risk of danger is also present, especially in young children whose judgment and decision-making are not yet fully developed.
Our office is working in partnership with District Attorney Joyce Dudley to help prevent or eliminate cyber-bullying. Parents are well advised to be active in the efforts as well.
