The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Internet safety, cyberbullying and bullying is a major concern for people of  all  ages. Whether you’re tween is being harassed online or in school, or maybe a teenager that is being mocked on Facebook or any social media platform, as a parent it’s your job to try to be involved as much as possible. This isn’t always easy, which is probably why it’s topping the highest health concern among parents according to a new national poll. Each year, the  C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll  on Children’s Health asks a national sample of adults to identify health topics that are a “ big problem ” for children and teens. The number one concern parents stated was  cyberbullying/bullying  at  61 percent  with  internet safety  at  55 percent. Communication is key We understand that talking with our children is crucial when it comes to online safety. Are you someone that believes your child is more tech-savvy...

There are many forms of online cruelty. The irony of it is I read so much about youth bullying, and I don't want to diminish that it is an important issue -- but the fact is adults are not only victims  of harassment, they can be the perpetrators too.   As I continue to write about bullying and cyberbullying, it never ceases to amaze me how many different ways people have discovered to hate others -- whether it is on the playground or virtually, peer cruelty doesn't seem to have any limits or boundaries.  Yes, the very people that should be our children's role models (sports figures, celebrities, politicians, teachers, elders, etc... people we should respect ) can be the direct people that are acting like children online or otherwise. We have heard the stories of fat shaming , face shaming, parent shaming (moms judging moms), baby shaming , cyber-shaming and this year I read more about the ugliness of slut shaming  (from adults)....