Police and schools battle cyberbullying

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Cyberbullying

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 1 in 3 teenagers who use the Internet have had mean, threatening or embarrassing things written about them online. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Feb 23, 2008 at 7:22 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 19, 2008 at 4:29 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — It's a new realm of bullying — children targeting other children using technology.

Local schools say it's a definite challenge. Police say it can have dangerous consequences, which is why they're getting involved.

You can find it on MySpace, Facebook, and the latest JuicyCampus.com — inappropriate and sometimes downright scary comments.

"They're joking around. I don't think they mean harm," said high school student Lateisha Burnett. "They just like to mess with people."

But to her mother, messing around online is no joking matter.

"I think that's just horrible," said mom Beverly Jamerson of what's written online. "I don't even understand why teenagers are so angry these days and they are. There are a lot of angry teenagers out there."

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 1 in 3 teenagers who use the Internet have had mean, threatening or embarrassing things written about them online.

Girls are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying.

Plus, the group "Fight Crime - Invest in Kids" says millions of children never tell anyone.

"I think more and more it's becoming a problem. Yes, definitely," commented Rosalind Ellis, assistant superintendent of student services at the South Bend Community School Corporation.

The corporation has a new anti-bullying program this year.

At a recent meeting on the program, they found cyberbullying topped the list of concerns at many schools.

"Everyone's had experience at some time or another in their lives with bullying, but the cyberbullying is a whole different concept," said Ellis.

Not only can it have academic and emotional consequences, but there is concern it can lead to violence. That's why schools aren't the only ones concerned about the problem.

"It's very easy to catch someone," said Commander Mitch Kajzer.

As part of the St. Joseph County High Tech Crimes Unit, Kajzer spends time every day browsing different websites undercover.

"They have the mindset that they're posting this stuff and it's being looked at by them and their friends — no adults, no principals, no police or anyone else," explained Kajzer. "That attitude is changing when we show up to interview them."

He finds postings that are of concern about once a week, and some of it might amaze you.

The comments are made from student to student and even more.

In one case, a local teenager posted online comments about killing his principal and then posted a photo of him holding a gun.

"We treat it as a criminal matter. If it violates the statute — crosses that line — the excuse of 'I'm just joking' doesn't apply," said Kajzer.

In some cases, police have searched homes and cars and have done background checks after finding a comment posted online.

Kajzer says if you say something that face-to-face would be a criminal violation, there's no difference online.

Schools say it proves how important it is for parents to be aware of what their children are doing on the Internet.

Most websites like MySpace warn its users to report harassment or inappropriate content.

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