May 25, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 SCHOOLS & CAMPS Cyberbullying (continued from May 18 issue) MRI technology provides scientists with very real evidence that, during adolescence, the brain is in one biological state, and exits this period in a very different biological state. MRI studies have been used to see brain activity at work. One key study found that when identifying emotions on faces, teens often activated a region of the brain called the amygdala, the brain area that experiences fear, threat, and danger, whereas adults more often activated their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain linked to reason and judgment. Teens reacted from the gut, adults from the intellect. Teen brains are suited for the issues of teen life, but are not mature or developed enough to make reasoned decisions, resist impulses, or inhibit inappropriate behaviors which lead to real limitations in judgment (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2005). Bullying comes into play because of the need or desire for social dominance. Kids seek their place on the social ladder and no one wants to land on the rung on the bottom. The juggling for social status becomes more intense as kids’ needs for social currency grows and they begin to separate emotionally from their parents and family. This is a natural evolution that starts early in life, escalates in middle school, and continues into adulthood. Many people shrug off bullying as part of the growing-up process without realizing that the effects of bullying often cause damage that lasts a lifetime. While the research on developing brain activity continues and becomes more exact, it is clear that in the adolescent years, it is incumbent upon camp leadership, counselors, administrators, and parents to support teens as they develop those skills that will lead to appropriate adult behavior. This kind of nurturing attention is shown to be very influential in growth and maturity of teenage brain development. Camp success is built on relationships both in session and outside the camp season. Managing cyberbullying, providing guidance for safety, and taking a stand against cyberbullying and bullying year-round in your camp families is paramount to maintaining these relationships. Be proactive: Be aware of these issues all year long and help your camp families feel your commitment to them. Camps can begin the process of protecting themselves from cyberbullying by taking the following steps: Restitution and/or apologies are needed if a camp member is victimized by bullying online. Your camp must send a message that consequences are forthcoming if cyberbullying or hurtful behavior does not cease. Consequences can include: “probation” during camp or “suspension” from camp. Develop an acceptable Internet use policy. An Internet use policy should clearly state the rules and the consequences for staff and campers for any online abuses. It should also explain the process for reporting any problems. For example, the policy can state, “If you are a victim of Internet bullying, save and print all messages as evidence and report such abuses to your counselor and your camp director as soon as possible.” Do you fully control the information on your website? Do you minimize personal information available online about staff or campers and upload camp photos without names? Precautions like this will limit the risk of online harassment to campers and staff. Do you ban the use of cell phones at camp, or have a policy that limits their use during the season? Cell phones with cameras may be used to catch others in vulnerable situations, which can be used to embarrass or humiliate at another time online. If cell phone use among campers and staff is necessary for camp life, clearly define and limit the times for such use. When information is hurtful, mean, or embarrassing to others, you must take a stand. If situations happen within your camp family, taking a stand shows your commitment to respectful and appropriate behavior — whether it is during the camp season or during the off-season. Families may need help resolving online exclusion and meanness issues, so camp involvement can also show your commitment to an immediate and consensual resolution to such problems — and, in turn, provide an opportunity to be in touch with parents in a meaningful way 365 days a year. If your campers or staff members are involved in serious situations such as threats, stalking, and the transmission of sexting pictures that have potential criminal implications, call law enforcement immediately. You don’t want these issues to escalate and lead to consequences that leave you at risk. 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