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News: Internet safety for children and adolescents and cyberbullying The safety of children and adolescents on the internet is a matter of concern and a major issue preoccupying the parents, the teachers, the psychologists and the relevant authorities. Among other serious threats, cyberbullying is a growing problem Read more |
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Victims of internet bullying - or cyberbullying - have no refuge. |
April 2010
Dear
friends,
All parents know well that their children are using more and more their computers, mobile phones and the internet. Many hours in front of a screen is not what is best for the health but this is not the only threat for the physical, psychological and social well being of children.
As we all know very well internet is used not only for research, acquiring knowledge and recreational activities. Chatting, emailing, social networking are common and favorite practices for children and adolescents.
Safety on the internet is becoming an increasingly more serious issue. Among other problems, cyberbullying is a worrisome and growing problem. It is similar to other types of bullying but it is more complex, sophisticated and difficult to stop.
Cyberbullying can take place on the internet, on web pages, on instant messaging platforms, and can take the form of text or other messages on the mobile telephones.
The effects of cyberbullying on the victims can be very serious, Cyberbullying has some very specific deleterious aspects that make it more threatening than other types of bullying. Victims of cyberbullying cannot practically defend themselves and have no refuge.
Information on the net spreads quickly to huge numbers of people and to undo or prevent further damage is a difficult task. Children and adolescents who are victims of cyberbullying experience loss of self esteem, depressive symptoms, decline in school grades and show behavioral changes.
Read more about children and cyberbullying in the article Internet safety for children and adolescents and cyberbullying that you will find attached with our 87th Progressive Insurance Newsletter.
It is true that parents are not familiar with cyberbullying. It is a byproduct of modern communication and media technologies and many adults did not experience this kind of situations.
Nevertheless it is up to the parents, educators and the society in general to raise the awareness for this phenomenon, spread widely the relevant information and knowledge and teach the children how to protect themselves and manage cyberbullying situations.
Takis A. Haggiandreou
Director
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Cyberbullying occurs when new technologies such as computers and mobile phones are used to harass or bully somebody. |
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