Character Education To Prevent A Pandemic

Cyber bullying is something that is spreading like a pandemic across the World Wide Web. Each and every day, millions of children are impacted by this pandemic. Is there any solution to address this chronic issue? Many Character education campaigns features lesson plans, varied activities, strategies for prevention, instructional videos and parent/ teacher guides. Parents too should be educated with a working knowledge of various Internet Terms or cyber glossary. The campaign primarily aims for behavioral change among the audience.

What exactly do you mean by Cyber Bullying? Cyber bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies like e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms, pagers and cell phones to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or a group as a means of victimizing, hurting, threatening or intimidating someone. And this is happening round the clock all over the globe.

As we all know, nowadays a child's computer skills begin when they are very young, so do their cyber bullying character. A recent study shows that, one in three elementary students’ surveyed reported cyber bullying experiences. The study also finds that, those teen victims never tell their parents. A majority among them prefers to suffer in silence as they fear the prospect of parental monitoring or setting web access limits. Teenagers who are responsible for cyber bullying are very much aware that their online acts are likely to hurt the other person. What might be the factors that motivate them to commit such heinous acts? A survey says, 1. I don’t like them at all 2. I thought it was funny.

How can we prevent cyber bullying then? Firstly communicate with your child regularly. Talk with them about their on-line activities they are involved in. Enquire if their colleagues or friends have received any mean emails, text or Instant Messages. Secondly, set firm guidelines for the usage of your child’s cell phone and computer and then monitor their behavior. A recent research reveals that teens tend to spend more than 45 monthly hours' online. The third method you can adopt is through raising family awareness by talking specifically with your child about cyber bullying. Explain and elaborate to them that it is extremely harmful and unacceptable behavior living in any society. Finally, outline to them about your expectations for a responsible online behavior from their part and also explain clearly the consequences they may have to face if inappropriately behaved.

There happened many times when bullying goes out of control and violence happens resulting in more serious incidents. If ever you feel that your teenage children are in danger, then that’s the time you have to come in, act and deal with the situation your own way or any of the ways mentioned above.