According to a recent study, the percentage of students who experienced cyberbullying increased from 14.6% to 21.2% from 2007 to 2012. With the prevalence of smartphones and social media accounts among today's teenagers, cyberbullying is on the rise, especially among teenage girls. Kiana's Law, which went into effect on July 1, aims to put an end to cyberbullying by making it a misdemeanor form of harassment, punishable by a fine of up to $750 and/or up to six months in jail.
Cyberbullying can take the form of spreading rumors or gossip, posting or sending pictures without consent, assuming someone else's identity, or using threatening or offensive language. Cyberbullying involves only minors (if an adult is involved, it constitutes cyberstalking).
Instead of having to face only one person, cyberbullying can involve an entire group of kids tormenting another kid. Kids can get a break from traditional bullying just by going home, but cyberbullying can take place anytime, anywhere. Victims of cyberbullying often feel that there is no reprieve.
Some signs that a child is being cyberbullied include:
- Avoids using technology (this is a huge red flag)
- Appears nervous when a text message or email arrives
- Clears the computer screen or deletes text messages whenever you enter the room
- Withdraws from family and friends
- Signs of depression: loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, crying or sullenness
Kiana's Law is named after a Highlands Ranch teen who attempted suicide after receiving anonymous hateful texts. Kiana's father found her in time to save her life, but the lack of oxygen caused severe brain injury that requires her to have round-the-clock care.
Her parents knew she was suffering from depression and were getting her treated for that. However, they did not know she was being bullied. The perpetrator(s) of this crime were never caught. The new law is Kiana's parents way of turning a tragic event into something positive for other families.
Victims of cyberbullying often keep it a secret because they fear their online privileges will be revoked or that we'll reprimand them. ("This is exactly why I didn't want you on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter in the first place!")
The best way to stop cyberbullying is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Teach your kids how to stay safe online. Tell them to let you know immediately if they receive anonymous, suspicious, cruel, or hurtful messages. Show them how to use technology to block unwanted contact. Be sure that you are your child's calm in the storm and keep a "poker face" if your child is confiding you.
If your child receives a hurtful or hateful message, he or she should reply one time with a firm, "Do not contact me ever again." If the perpetrator continues to send messages, save them (take a screen shot if messages are sent via Snapchat or similar apps) but do not engage with the person. This will show a pattern of harassment. However, if the messages are threatening, contact your local police department.
Check out the following resources to learn more about preventing cyberbullying:
- www.cyberbullying.us provides cyberbullying research, stories, cases, downloads, fact sheets, tips and strategies, news headlines, a blog, and a number of other helpful resources on their comprehensive public service website
- www.stopcyberbullying.org has a quiz to rate your online behavior, information about why some people cyberbully, and how to stop yourself from cyberbullying
- www.wiredsafety.com provides information about what to do if you are cyberbullied
- www.stopbullyingnow.com has information about what you can do to stop bullying in any form
For suicide prevention and information, visit www.sprc.org/states/colorado.
