Cyberbullying is a growing problem. It affects at least
85% of the 45,000 middle schoolers I polled in person last year, yet only 5% of
them will tell their parents. In a smaller poll, 70% of students admitted to
having cyberbullied others.
It has become a silent epidemic, stalking our children
on social networks, instant messaging, interactive games and cell phones. While
the more dramatic stories have made the headlines, from Megan Meier’s suicide following
harassment by a neighborhood mom posing as a cute sixteen year old on MySpace,
to cheerleaders beating one of their own
on video, most cases are less newsworthy, but no less painful .
Cyberbullying has many stakeholders, from families
whose lives are shattered by the loss of teens who chose suicide rather than
face repeated torment, to students who are afraid to check their e-mail, to
teachers being attacked online by students, mental health professionals trying
to stay ahead of their patients, to the media trying to grapple with covering a
story without further exploiting the victims, to regulators who are seeking answers and the industry who
is struggling in its effort to identify and manage risks while attempting to
herd cats. More, perhaps, than any other single issue, cyberbullying takes a
village to address. In this first ever international cyberbullying conference,
every member of the village will have a voice. Together we can fashion
solutions and encourage change. And by the end of the two days, all
stakeholders will know about being part of the solution, instead of part of the
problem.
What do we need to know to address the problem and help
frame meaningful solutions? What is the role of the Internet industry, media,
government, advocacy groups and schools? Over two concentrated days, WiredSafety will
help all stakeholders understand the problem better and find manageable
solutions and collaborations. It will give community participants a chance to
be heard, and the industry, media, advocacy groups and regulators a chance to
listen and share their own viewpoints.
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