Bullies Go High-Tech

You can now add bullying to the list of things made easier by technology.

The teasing and taunting of one child or teen by another through an electronic device is called cyber-bullying, e-bullying or online bullying. This 21st-century form of an age-old threat came with the rise of the "always-connected" generation.

Two out of five children have been bullied online, according to a 2004 survey by the nonprofit i-SAFE America, which promotes kids' Web safety. Bullies use e-mail, instant messaging and text messaging on cell phones to reach victims.

"Cyber-bullying is escalating as children embrace technology," says Mary Worthington, elementary education coordinator for the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA). "There's a growing trend to use technology to annoy, harass and torment."

So the bullies bent on malice have new weapons. Their nameless nature can make the bullies bolder. The victim can be reached anytime, anywhere. A child can flee a school-yard bully just by leaving, but that won't work in cyberspace.

Parents often don't know of the problem because children hesitate to report it.

"Awareness is the first step," says Ms. Worthington, "and education the key."

So what's a parent to do? It may not be possible to make a child bully-proof, but here are some ideas:

Place the computer in a common family room to keep an eye on its use.

Remind your child:

• Don't open e-mail or accept instant messages from unknown senders.

• Don't share your phone number, password or e-mail address.

• Don't reply to any bullying or disturbing message.

• Tell an authority figure at once if a threatening message shows up.

Report threatening contact right away to the service provider.

Watch for changes in a child's behavior that can signal problems like bullying.

"That way," Ms. Worthington says, "parents can actively partner with their children and make good decisions."