Cyberbullying, which includes sending threatening or hurtful emails, posting demeaning photos or spreading rumors through some form of electronic media, has increased dramatically, according to the American Psychological Association.
In recent years, more teens spend their time socializing online and on their cell phones, making it easier to bully, especially with no adult supervision.
According to the American Justice Society, about 42 percent of children have been bullied while online and about 35 percent have been threatened.
The American Justice Department reports that the rise in domestic violence at home is leading to the increase in online bullying.
The report also shows students belonging to a minority group based on race, sexual preference and socioeconomic status are reasons students use to cyberbully. This causes students to deal with bullying at school and at home.
The question is: who causes cyberbullying? Sabina Low of Arizona State University School of Social and Family Dynamics did a study to answer just that.
Low found that teens with the least amount of parental supervision engage in cyberbullying the most. She also found that cyberbullying is higher among African- American teens than white teens.
Low concluded that African-American teens may have fewer protective factors, such as parental supervision, and more risk factors, such as family conflict and drug and alcohol use.
These factors put African-American teens at a greater risk for bullying behaviors.
As parents and teachers, it’s important to have open communication with students and be aware of any signs, including excuses not to go to school, having a change in eating habits or having fewer friends.
“Parents do need to be involved in their child’s Internet use…Have a conversation with children or students about proper online etiquette, says Dr. Ashleigh Woods, a clinical psychologist.
If your child is the bully, have consistent consequences, educate them and set the example at home.
Inspired by this issue of bullying, Indianapolis’ Asante Children’s Theatre will present a hip-hop musical play called, “Star Midnight,” that examines bullying and its effect on youth.
David Orr, the assistant director and choreographer, says the entire play addresses everything from bullying at school, at home, adult bullying and more.
“Kids are dying over some nonsense…so it needs to be addressed because they need to know that they’re enough…and they will overcome whatever is going on in school or in their home,” said Orr.
Asante Children’s Theatre
Asante Children’s Theatre (ACT) is a theater organization committed to youth development and changing lives through the arts. ACT was founded in 1990 by artistic director Deborah Asante. A nonprofit organization, ACT uses theater, dance, music, and storytelling to build confidence and teach youth respect and responsibility.
By doing this, ACT believes they can help deter crime by providing young artists with a safe haven and a sense of purpose.
ACT has three programs individuals can be involved in which include:
• ACT Prep4Lie
• ACT Academy
• Asante Touring Company
