We are all familiar with traditional bullying and most of us have been the victim of bullying at some point in our lives.  Cyber-bullying is something the majority of us don’t deal with but something with which our kids do.

It is defined as “when the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person,” by the National Crime Prevention Council.  Cyber-stalking and cyber-harrassment are quite similar they just involve different age groups. Adults get stalked and if there is a sexual nature to the content then it’s harassment. Cyber-bullying, however, refers strictly to children.

Here are some statistics from a 2006 ABC News report:

• 42% of kids have been bullied while online. One in four have had it happen more than once.
• 35% of kids have been threatened online. Nearly one in five had had it happen more than once.
• 21% of kids have received meanorathreateningee-mailsmorlotheromessages.ages.
• 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than four out of ten say it has happened more than once.
• 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.

Cyber-bullying  has the same detrimental psychological effects as traditional bullying. Currently, only a few States have passed legislation that makes cyber-bullying a crime. Parenting is always difficult. I know, I am one. As technology progresses it’s our job, as good parents, to keep a close eye on the welfare of our children.

Remember, more than half of kids will not tell you that they’ve been cyber-bullied. They feel ashamed, just as they would with a traditional bully. Be vigilant.