I was reminded at first hand last week of the price some people are paying for free and easy access to texting, the internet and social networking sites by a case of cyber bullying that came very close to home.

Like many parents I’m never entirely sure what my kids have been doing on the web but try to stay one step ahead. Kids have so many opportunities today via PCs, laptops and smartphones that have access from almost any location and at any time that unless you have a complete ‘lock down’ and adapt an attitude of constantly being at a DEFCON 3 level of awareness you can’t possible know what’s going on.

At the same time of course you have to let kids grow up, make their own decisions and take responsibility – but as parents we always want this to be at a pace we set.

In this instance action was swiftly taken get the issue sorted out. However, a quick check online reveals that the extent of the problem is enormous and some of the results of cyber bullying are entirely tragic.

A fair sample of headline stories included;

‘One in three children a victim of cyber bullying according to a government report’

‘A survey of 239 secondary school pupils found girls were more likely to bully others using texts or the internet…’

‘Cyber bullying: A mother talks about her son's suicide…’

The price of ‘progress’ is indeed high for some it would seem.

Take care and have a good week.

-Ian Hunter of Comms Business