Social networking criticised as cyber bulling trend continues

The issue of 'cyber bulling' has been a hot topic in the press lately, as the nature of friendships on social networks are scrutinised.

There are 1.4m search results on Google for cyber bullying; the Archbishop of Westminister recently expressed concern over the craze and warned that when these friendships break down it leaves children/young adults vulnerable. He also said that an over-reliance on these virtual relationships is impeding young peoples abilities to make real, lasting friendships in the offline world.

OFCOM reported in 2008 that half of 8 to 17yr olds have a social networking profile. Facebook and bebo both have a minimum age requirement of 13, but recent reports have highlighted that they are unable to enforce this. Several charities are offering support for young people who have become victims of cyberbullying, however the social networking sites seem slow off the mark to take preventative action.

After 15yr old Holly Grogan committed suicide by throwing herself off a road bridge her parents released a statement saying that she was traumatised following the postings of dozens of abusive and threatening messages on her facebook wall. "Holly struggled to cope with the huge pressures placed upon her by the modern complexities of “friendship groups” and social networking". Only last month, another 15yr old - Megan Gillan - killed herself after being cyberbullied on bebo.

www.cybermentors.org.uk say that nearly 10,000 schoolchildren a week are seeking help to cope with cyberbullying. The charity Beatbullying is behind the scheme, which is supported by the PM. It seems that despite the ready availability of 'cyber-friends', loneliness is a major problem for young people. The charity ChildLine counsels 5,500 children for loneliness every year. And if virtual friendships affect a child's ability to make real friends, the impact of cyberbulling is further intensified.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1204062/The-fake-world-Facebook-Bebo-How-suicide-cyber-bullying-lurk-facade-harmless-fun.html#ixzz0SOaSV7WZ

In August a teenage girl became the first person to be jailed for cyberbullying. 18yr old Keeley Houghton was given 3 months in a young offenders institute and a 5 month restraining order after she threatened to kill a 14yr old on facebook.

Without a doubt the advent of social networking is one of the most significant events brought to us since the internet began; but unless we can stop this damaging and traumatic misuse of the sites, it could also be one of the most dangerous.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214450/Mother-tells-tragic-Holly-tormented-Facebook-bullies.html#ixzz0SOXa9QfL

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/09/27/cursed-by-web-bullies-115875-21703228/