The Dark Side of Technology: Healing the Effects and Preventing Cyber Bullying

Incidents related to cyber-bullying, sexting, and cybersex are increasing each year (Froeschle, Mayorga, Hargrave, & Castillo, 2008; Online Victimization of Youth, 2006). Half of all young people say they have been targets of digital bullying, up to a fourth have experienced sexting online (Quaid, 2009), and up to 51% of teens have given out information to a stranger online (Webster, 2010) with 30% considering meeting these unknown persons face to face (Teen Internet Safety Study, 2006). Many students are failing courses, attempting suicide, suffering from depression, anxiety, and even mental illness as a result of cyberbullying, cybersex, or sexting (Froeschle, Mayorga, Hargrave, & Castillo, 2008). Effective methods are needed to protect and assist students suffering silently from these issues.

Join us as we talk with Dr. Janet Froeschle who is assistant professor in the Educational Psychology and Leadership Department at Texas Tech University. She earned a Ph.D. in counselor education from Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi in 2005 and previously worked as a teacher and school counselor in the public schools for over 14 years. For more information on the Cyberbully and the CSK Parent Guide

Back to School Series: Cyber Bullying & Sexting

What is sexting, cyber-harassment, and online stalking? While families are preparing for the new school year advocates against violence are gearing up to face new threats to our community’s safety. Everyday we hear more and more stories about the endless ways young women and men are using technology to harm one another. Parents are terrified by the notion that their teenagers are engaged in sexting, and at the same time they are anxious to learn how to face this issue head on. How has the prevalence and availability of new technology effected the frequency and ease of perpetrating these abusive behaviors? What can you do if you find yourself the victim of cyber-harassment or sexting?

Join us as we talk to Patricia Castillo, Executive Director of P.E.A.C.E. Initiative and DeAnne Cuellar, Executive Director of the Media Justice League about this very interesting topic.

For more information check out the Media Justice League and P.E.A.C.E. Initiative