When past generations dealt with bullying, it likely appeared in the form of the biggest kid in school shaking down classmates for lunch money. But that antiquated notion went extinct when every kid became just a click or swipe away from interacting with classmates via email, texting and social media.
The Internet and smartphone technology have provided unparalleled communication between cities, states and the whole world. But just like it's expanded communication, it's expanded the opportunities for bullying.
Cyberbullying, defined as any bullying which takes place using electronic technology, can take the form of threatening Facebook posts, embarrassing Instagram photos or rumors which can spread over Twitter in a matter of seconds.
The CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey in 2013 found that 15 percent of high schoolers had experienced cyberbullying in the past year. The truth is the number is probably higher. The ever-changing nature of technology, specifically social media apps, means new opportunities for cyberbullying appear on a monthly basis.
One place we know it's higher is in LGBT youth.
A study by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) found that LGBT youth are twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted, kicked or shoved in school. LGBT youth are four times more likely as their peers to attempt suicide, according to the Trevor Project.
Most of the time, parents, teachers and authority figures only find out about online incidents when unpacking physical altercations in school or other social situations.
Parents may no longer be able to rely on their own life experiences when they've never even heard of the latest app, let alone know its potential to cause harm. So creating a safe space for kids in paramount.
This is where organizations like the YMCA come in. We are dedicated to creating safe and inclusive environments for all young people. The Y defines a safe space as one with no fear of retaliation or conditionality; one open for respectful pushback; confidentiality, unless someone is being hurt; and an adherence to the platinum rule: treating others the way THEY want to be treated, including how they are addressed.
Programs like the YMCA's Leaders Club focus on developing each young person's social and emotional wellbeing, while also developing their leadership skills. Young people learn to affirm each other's identities -- even if they change over time. It's not only OK that someone is different, we embrace all of our differences because it makes all our experiences that much richer.
As a community and family-oriented organization, we strongly encourage families to talk to their young people. Discuss current events, talk about observations at school, on the train, at home, in the media and so on. If young people feel affirmed in their identities and feelings they will feel more supported with an outlet they can rely on.
With kids rarely forthcoming about bullying, it's crucial parents pay attention to signs children are being bullied. A child who is being bullied may have a loss of appetite, lose interest in favorite activities or may withdraw socially and emotionally in other ways. Watch for changes in behavior and seek help if you suspect something is wrong.
Setting the right example for kids by not making bullying comments -- online or in person. You may not have heard of the latest app your child is using, but the underlying acts of bullying are remarkably similar to in-person experiences you remember.
The Internet will always be a place young people will be on, but if what they say online matches what they say in real life, the better off we are to take care of them.