Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 18, 2011 SCHOOLS & CAMPS A plan to prevent cyberbullying at home and at camp by Joel D. Haber, Ph.D. and Lisa Daley, J.D. “Kick a Ginger Day.” The majority of adults reading this article have no idea what this means. A bunch of juniorhigh-aged kids in Calabasas, California, did, however. On Nov. 20, 2009, at least four girls and two boys were subjected to physical and/or verbal bullying and abuse because of their red hair, freckles, and pale complexions. Ginger. “Gilligan’s Island.” Redheads. It’s quite a leap. What makes this bullying story relevant is that the call to action was initiated via a Facebook invite to a day of “Ginger bashing,” sent by a 13-year-old boy who was inspired by a “South Park” episode. The Los Angeles County sheriff’s office reported a number of incidents throughout the day. Two 12-year-old boys were detained and booked on charges of “battery on school property because of cumulative incidents through the day.” The 13year-old who created “National Kick a Ginger Day” was booked for cyberbullying or making a threat via electronic communication. Sheriff’s officials say at least eight played some role in the bullying of redheads that day. Clearly, the sarcasm and parody of racial prejudice intended by the “South Park” episode was lost on the 13year-olds. The larger issue and lesson for camps, schools, and parents, is how quickly and easily this kind of online bullying activity can escalate. The stories of how one comment leads to five comments, which leads to a web of communications, which leads to abuse and even suicide, are becoming more and more commonplace. Anyone working with kids has to know what cyberbullying is, appreciate that it is everywhere, and realize that all kids are at risk of exposure. Cyberbullying is any bullying activity that occurs in a Web-based medium, such as text, e-mail, social media, and/ or any other kind of electronic format. It is also referred to as “digital disrespect.” Bullying, while it has many forms, is going to take place among our youth wherever and whenever there is a lack of a respected adult presence. The Internet could not be a more opportune place for this kind of activity. When online, kids have lots of access with little to no supervision, and the Internet is available all the time. Through mass e-mails, social media sites, and public websites, a message or threat can haunt a victim for weeks, months, or years — and the effect can be toxic. Research has found that boys initiate mean online activity earlier than girls do -- as early as second grade. By the time kids reach middle school, however, girls are more likely to engage in such activity by a two-to-one margin (Haber & Haber, 2007). Cyberbullying is more difficult for camps and parents to manage for several reasons: Many parents and camp administrators have no experience with this type of bullying; they can’t relate; or they are inept at maneuvering the various technology platforms in which it exists. For camp leaders, there is a limited window of direct involvement with staff or camp families. Trying to monitor or manage the relationships kids maintain with each other outside of camp is laden with obstacles, which makes this a tough problem throughout the year. Further, kids grow up with technology and internalize its rhythms and language. Studies show that most adults significantly underestimate the amount of time kids spend online. An LG Text Ed Survey (2010), conducted by TRU Research and sponsored by LG Mobile Phones, found that parents are not even clear about what children are doing when they are online. Finally, the permanence of Web-based information leaves those in charge with a very difficult burden — how to make it “go away.” Content on the Internet may live (continued on next page) Pinnacle Learning Center At the Ramapo Reformed Church Educational Building 109 West Ramapo Ave., Mahwah Conveniently located just off Route 17 Register for Summer 2011 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM M-F Flexible Hrs. Half and Full Day - 2½ - 6 Years Arts & Crafts, Games, Theme Projects, Music, Outdoor Water Fun Owner/Director/Teacher Maria Cancelosi NJ State Licensed Call 201-512-3313 Space available for Fall 2011 a dance studio in the classical tradition Accepting students of all levels from age 4 through adults Ballet • Pointe • Character • Stretch • Partnered Adagio Adult Classes • Boys Class • Acting Classes • Preschool 2011 Summer Training Program Register Now for June 27 - August 27 �������� ������� ���������� ��������������������� ��������� �� ������������ ������������������ YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER For information & enrollment, please visit our website: www.petrovballet.com or contact us: 201-445-4499 • Email: info@petrovballet.com 134 Hopper Ave, Waldwick, NJ 07463 5-11-11 kathy/janine PetrovBallet3x3COLOR(5-11-11) 3 x 3”