In today's digital age, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the online world, it's crucial for us to be aware of the challenges our children may face. One of the most pressing issues we're confronted with is cyberbullying and the broader realm of online threats. Recent statistics reveal that 59% of teenagers in the United States have experienced cyberbullying, yet a mere 38% of all teens would report illegal online activities. This alarming trend is not unique to the United States, as countries like Brazil and India also rank high in cyberbullying prevalence. These digital threats are more than just pixels and text; they can have profound consequences on our children's mental health and sometimes even escalate to in-person violence.
I understand the perils of online harassment all too well. I experienced online serial harassment and realized there were 30 others on my college campus who were enduring the same torment from the same perpetrator. The harasser had continued to harass many of us for years—simply creating a new profile anytime his profile was reported. We filed police reports and our college told us that they had updated their reporting processes since the incident. All of this was happening during the pandemic when studies were released showing an increase in teens being cyberbullied and the alarming rates of mental health decline. Enough was enough, and I was determined to take action—not just for myself but for teens I saw that were experiencing cyberbullying and online harassment. This experience was a turning point for me, motivating me to advocate for internet safety and share valuable resources within our community.
My passion led me to establish an annual conference called Operation: STOP Cyber Harassment in 2021. This event is dedicated to parents and teenagers, focusing on internet safety. And the 1st Operation: STOP Cyber Harassment conference was a success! After surveying hundreds of teens and asking them what sort of topics they would like to see covered that weren’t in their after-school programs or schools, I created Bringing the Globe. Bringing the Globe is an education-technology platform that provides online programs and resources to parents and teens in the areas of leadership development, cultural exchange, and advocacy. Through our flagship program, Operation: STOP Cyber Harassment, we provide an online Digital Citizen Bootcamp Training, in-school presentations, and digital resources. We've also organized in-person conference panels, collaborating with cross-sector experts to share their knowledge and tools with the public. Earlier this month, Bringing the Globe organized the Youth Concurrent Panel for the 2023 Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) where our panelists from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Broward County Public Schools, cybersecurity/IT company ThriveDX, and mental health advocacy addressed current trends and solutions related to cyberbullying, online dangers like online teen exploitation, and mental health.
Cyberbullying: A Growing Issue
In an age where social media and digital devices dominate, it's no surprise that cyberbullying has become a pervasive problem. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted the link between social media and mental health issues, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue. Online harassment and the reluctance to report online threats can lead to severe mental health problems, and in some instances, a failure to report threats has led to in-person violence.
Making a Difference
The heart of Operation: STOP Cyber Harassment lies in its ability to empower students, families, and educators to navigate the digital world safely. Our Digital Citizen Bootcamp Training provides the foundation for understanding the dangers of the internet and how to tackle them. This program ensures that students gain not only digital literacy skills but also the confidence to speak up against online threats.
Tips for Parents: A Holistic Approach
Parents play a vital role in creating a safer online environment for their children. Here are some tips to help guide you:
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about online trends and potential dangers.
- Open Conversations: Talk to your child about their online presence and create safe spaces for honest conversations.
- Lead by Example: Model positive online behavior for your kids, whether it's about passwords or online comments.
- Monitor Behavior: Keep an eye on your child's online activities and watch for warning signs.
- Encourage Learning: Inspire your child to acquire digital literacy skills to protect themselves online.
We've made our Digital Citizen Bootcamp Training free and accessible to students. This initiative is a crucial component of our mission, providing a platform for middle and high school students to learn about cyberbullying, mental health, and how to advocate for online safety. High school students can even earn four community service hours upon completion of the program.
The registration link for the Digital Citizen Bootcamp Training: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/digital-citizen-4-week-training-bootcamp-2646339?just_published=true.
The first training session starts on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, at 5PM EST. Let's work together to create a safer online world for our children, empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need online!
Operation: STOP Cyber Harassment is not just a response to a growing problem but a beacon of hope for us and our teens alike. By embracing digital literacy, encouraging honest conversations, and learning from experts in the field, we can create a safer online environment for our children. It's time to take action and ensure that our loved ones are equipped to navigate the digital world securely. Join us in this crucial mission, and let's stand together against cyberbullying and online threats.
