As you’re probably aware, bullying and the prevention of it has become a major
focus in our schools today. But bullies are no longer limited to just verbal or
physical bullying. Text bullying has become a serious problem among adolescents
and teens. Almost 9 out of 10 teens have a cell phone and about 1 in 5 will be victims of a text bully. About 1 in 10 teens engage in text bullying.
Below are some facts about bullying:
- Nearly one in three students, ages 12 to 18, reports being bullied at school (Robers, Zhang & Truman, 2012).
- An estimated 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students (Bullying Statistics, 2010).
- During the 2009–2010 school year, nearly one in four public schools reported that bullying occurred among students on a daily or weekly basis (Robers, Zhang, & Truman, 2012).
- Victims of bullying are four times more likely to earn failing grades than their nonbullied peers (DeVoe & Kaffenberger, 2005).
- One in five teens reports being cyber bullied through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices (Hinjuda & Patchin, 2010).
In honor of national Pink Shirt Day on Feb. 27th, – an international event focused on stopping bullying, AT&T would like to share a few anti-bullying apps to help prevent text bullying:
- BullyBlock – (Apple iOS, Android – $0.99) – This app captures and block bullies that are causing you and your family harm. The Bully Block app allows users to covertly record verbal threats and harassment, block inappropriate texts and pictures (e.g. sexting), and utilize auto respond features. Bully Block blocks bullies that utilize private or unknown numbers to engage in cyberbullying. Bully Block also has instant reporting features that allow the user to email or text abusive behavior to parents, teachers, HR departments, and law enforcement. All audio, messages, and calls are stored on the phone SD card.
- Rindin by CrocPond – (Apple iOS –$0.99) – This anti-bullying awareness app is based on the story and DVD Rindin. It includes an animated short movie, story book and adventure game. The app encourages children to be creative, while helping them to recognize the value of tolerance and getting along.
For more on the inspiring story of how Pink Shirt Day came about see http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2007/09/18/pink-tshirts-students.html.
