Stop Cyberbullying

[Wesley Fryer]

Andy Carvin has started a Ning Network specifically focused on stopping cyberbullying. Consider joining it. I think we all need to focus more attention on this specific issue, and take the conversation out into the mainstream media sources in our local communities.

At the same time, however, we need to avoid the temptation (which most media sources fall prey to) of strictly discussing the bad, the ugly, and the scary when it comes to things digital and online. We also need to emphasize and discuss the safe, constructive ways the Internet is and can be used to enrich our lives. If we fail to do this, we may scare even more parents away from using the web and talking to their kids about its effective use. Effective use of digital tools and the web is not going to be an option for most vocations in ten years. If we're going to prepare kids for the future, we shouldn't promote a worldview that focuses exclusively on the negative aspects of digital culture.

[markius]

I totally agree. Every time I talk to parents about Internet safety, I almost always start with what is GOOD about the Internet. I generally focus on education, broadening our horizons and entertainment. And, like any tool, must be utilized appropriately, and safely.