Cyberbullying: A Serious Problem Facing Kids Today

This morning I had the privilege of participating in an Internet Safety Briefing at the National Press Club here in D.C.  Hosted by our friends at the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Crime Prevention Council, the purpose of this event was to talk about the new threat of cyberbullying that so many kids in America face today. 

Most of you parents out there can attest to the fact that cell phones are becoming a must-have accessory for children, tweens, and teens.  According to the Yankee Group, 72% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 have wireless devices.  While cell phones can be an incredible safety tool to help save lives and stop crime, unfortunately some people, such as cyberbullies, choose to use the technology in a negative way.  With Internet on-the-go and in the palm of their hand, cyberbullies are now using cell phones as another weapon to embarrass and unnerve other kids. 

As a father of four and grandfather of two, the issue of child safety hits very close to home.  I deeply understand the desire every parent has to protect their sons and daughters from threats like cyberbullying.  As more and more of America’s youth are using wireless devices, I’m pleased that the wireless industry has stepped up to the plate to provide parents with the tools they need to encourage responsible and safe use of cell phones. 

One of these tools is the “Get Wise About Wireless” program, which was created by The Wireless Foundation in partnership with ConnectSafely.org and the Weekly Reader Corporation to help educate and equip students and their families with informative tips and tools on how they can help their students stay safe and defeat digital bullies. 

Each year, “Get Wise About Wireless” program materials, including a student mini-magazine, teacher’s guide, and parent take-home pamphlet, are distributed to thousands of schools across the country as a free public service.  More information about this program and complimentary electronic copies of the curriculum are available on our website.  

I think as parents it's our responsibility to become educated on what reasonable steps we can take to keep our children safe. Wireless technology is a wonderful tool for all of us, and it can be even more useful and valuable for our young people as new opportunities become available. But, we have to make the environment as safe as possible, and I'm proud the industry is meeting that important obligation.