Readers, as new information has emerged in the UK's recent teen suicide case, I felt it might be useful to you if I gather together some insights, wisdom and context on "digital self-harm" from the past several years into one place. So here's Part 2 (Part 1 is here)…. If what Ask.fm executives reportedly said about the hate messages on Hannah Smith's page is true – and it's very likely to be – … [Read more...] about Reflexive responses to digital bullying & self-harm not helpful
cyberbullying
UK’s teen suicide tragedy: Problems, solutions
The UK has seen too much social cruelty this past week, and now tragedy as well, with the suicide of 14-year-old Hannah Smith. Though there has been plenty of news coverage and analysis already – linking Hannah's suicide to cruel comments in social site Ask.fm – a formal inquiry into what happened has only just begun, the BBC reported. And suicide prevention experts on both sides of the Atlantic … [Read more...] about UK’s teen suicide tragedy: Problems, solutions
Cyberbullying in grades 3-5: Important study
Rare is the opportunity to get insights into cyberbullying in elementary school because most US research has focused on youth aged 12 and up. The Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) really delivered by surveying a huge sample – more than 11,700 – 3rd, 4th and 5th graders three times over a year and a half, and I believe the results clearly demonstrate the need for social-emotional … [Read more...] about Cyberbullying in grades 3-5: Important study
Hurting others hurts us: Study
Although the victim is usually the focus in discussions about the impacts of social cruelty, everybody involved in it feels some pain or distress, research shows. Two recent studies offer fresh insights into the impacts on bystanders, both those who witness cruel behavior and those who feel compelled to participate. First the latter, from the University of Rochester. "When people bend to … [Read more...] about Hurting others hurts us: Study
Wisdom about bullying from a former target
There's probably no better testimony to the power of social-emotional learning than this UK student's poem about what happens to the "bully" when victimizing someone else (don't miss this 1:25 min. video of Garrett reading his poem). Garrett was a student at New Line Learning Academy in Maidstone, Kent, UK, when he read this poem in 2011 (he may still be, since it's a school for students aged … [Read more...] about Wisdom about bullying from a former target