Family Advocacy Program hosting cyber-bullying talk Sept. 30 Published Sept. 23, 2015 By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Editor's note: This is part one of a three-part series examining cyberbullying. For more information on cyber-bullying, or other family related issues, contact the Family Advocacy Program at 618-256-7203 or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 618-256-8668. In collaboration with the Scott Air Force Base Youth Center and the Healthy Military Children Initiative, the Family Advocacy Program is hosting a cyber-bullying discussion for teens, parents and caregivers Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. at the Youth Center. Cyber-bullying is a threat to the psychological well-being of children throughout the world, not just in the United States, according to William White, 375th Medical Group Family Advocacy outreach manager. Through the cyber-bullying discussion, parents will be given the tools to recognize cyber-bullying, to know the terms related to cyber-bullying, and to help their children through being bullied. When parents suspect or know their children are being bullied, the first step of a parent is to speak with their child's teacher and school, said White. The school is legally responsible for your child's safety. The Illinois state school code prohibits bullying via written or electronic media. The school has the right to suspend, and in some cases, expel students who cyber-bully. "Parents need to be aware that cyber-bullying may involve various types of media, including personal computers and cell phones," said White. "The consequences of cyber-bullying are no less significant for a child's development than those of traditional bullying. Being a victim of cyberbullying has been associated with increased levels of emotional distress, social anxiety, and low self-esteem." Before cyber-bullying takes place, parents can educate their children about appropriate online behaviors and monitor their children's online activities, said White. Forty-three percent of students report being bullied online, and one in four has been bullied more than once. Cyber-bullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets, as well as communication tools, including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. According to the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, there are many different types of cyber-bullying. Teaching children about the different ways they could be bullied online and that they are not alone is important in opening the lines of communication between parents and children. Cyber-bullying terms: The Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use says bullying is defined as intentional cruelty, harassment, or emotional or physical abuse. Flaming is a type of online fight using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language. Harassment is repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages. Cyber-stalking is repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm or are highly intimidating. It is also engaging in other online activities that make another person afraid for their safety. Denigration is insulting someone online and can include sending or posting cruel gossip or rumors about a person to damage his or her reputation or friendships. Exclusion is intentionally excluding someone from an online group, like a "buddy list" or a game. Trolling is intentionally posting provocative messages about sensitive subjects to create conflict, upset people, and bait them into "flaming" or fighting. Impersonation is breaking into someone else's online account, posing as that person, and sending messages to make the person look bad, get that person in trouble or danger, or damage that person's reputation or friendships. Outing and trickery are sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information online or tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information and then sharing it online. During the Cyber-bullying discussion, parents, teens, and caregivers will learn more about cyber-bullying and what can be done about it. There are many motivations for bullying behavior, such as trying to find acceptance, backlash after a soured relationship, or retaliation. It can also be related to ethnicity, culture, religion, or physical characteristics. There is no reason for bullying that makes it OK, said White. For more information on the course, contact the Family Advocacy Program at 618-256-7203. **Part two of this series can be found here: www.scott.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123459687** **Part three of this series can be found here: www.scott.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123460482**