Bullies now doing it online

For some students, the enthusiasm about a new school year may be tempered by fear of the school bully. A bully can make life miserable for another student in face to face encounters. Now, in the age of technology, harassment can continue long after the school day has ended.

Bullying is no longer limited to the classroom, locker room, cafeteria, or school grounds. With today's technology, a school bully can humiliate a classmate with a hateful instant message or by posting an altered photo to social networking Internet sites. Cyberbullying also can include forwarding personal messages meant to be private to others without permission or sending students who have cell phones unwanted and unflattering verbal or text messages.

Elaine Johannes, Kansas State University Research and Extension youth development specialist, has developed a program for parents and educators to help them deal with and understand bullying. She has also been training school staff state-wide on the subject of bullying. Johannes offers the following tips for parents and others working with youth.

* Talk about bullying and what it is, the intent of one person to de-grade, demoralize or intimidate another

* Help youth learn the difference between bullying and ordinary conflict. Bullying, which intends harm, is repetitive and thrives on a difference in power and social status between the bully and the target. Conflict, such as an argument or disagreement, can be part of growth and development.

* Be aware of school and organizational policies that address bullying, such as reporting guidelines and responsive actions against harassment, intimidation or circulating rumors. Kansas' new bullying prevention initiative (Senate Bill 68) now requires that all Kansas schools have a plan, program and staff training to address bullying by January 2008.

* Learn the technologies youth are using, including computer programs and cell phone systems, such as text messaging. Be involved in their use of blogs and social networks.

* If -- or when--a youth reports cyberbullying, take steps to ensure his or her safety. Access the harmful examples and print copies as evidence and follow up according to guidelines and state laws.

Adults who fear that reporting a bully may make a teen more of a target are encouraged to follow school and organizational guidelines as well as local law enforcement agency recommendations to report threatening messages.

Not reporting bullying can have dire consequences. In some instances, violence at schools has been linked to previous behaviors that were not reported, or reported and ignored.

The new program on cyberbullying developed by Johannes will be available later this year through K-State Research and Extension offices statewide.