The Wayne State School of Social Work held a lecture titled “Understanding and Responding to Cyber Bullying in a Cyberworld.” The lecture was presented by Faye Mishna, professor and dean of the University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

In the beginning of the lecture, Mishna defined cyber bullying as humiliating and harassing others via technological devices. This can cause emotional and psychiatric issues in youths that can follow them into adulthood. Cyber bullying is much different from playful and mutual teasing; it is a power imbalance where the “bully” has more power over the other person. “The kids who are victimized chronically are the ones who are isolated, don’t have friends and are somehow vulnerable,” Mishna said

Mishna stressed that parents should know the traumatic impact of cyber bullying. As technology continues to advance, it is becoming more important for parents to understand how these new technologies work. It is critical for parents of youths to maximize their knowledge of technology to minimize the risks involved.

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http://media.wayne.edu/2012/11/01/wayne-state-presents-lecture-on-cyberbullying