Online assault

The Melbourne Age, 2 June 2008
What happened to Megan Meier was every parent's worst nightmare. Two years ago, the 13-year-old US student met 16- year-old "Josh" on social networking website MySpace. They developed an online friendship that soon turned sexual. Over the course of a few weeks, Josh flirted with Megan, telling her by email that she was "sexy". But it wasn't long before his mood changed and he became increasingly abusive. Josh told Megan that the world would be a better place without her and eventually he cut off the friendship. Megan committed suicide soon after. more...

This much publicised case serves as an introduction to this article about the problems of cyber bullying and the various forms it takes. It talks of the difficulties young people face in reporting it (being further bullied or having their parents take away access to technology). We as youth workers have an important role to play as "safe" people whom they can report bullying too and seek comfort and support.