10/11/12 - The Livingston Diversity Council held a seminar last night to inform local parents about the threat of cyber-bullying. About one in four adolescents in America reports being the victim of cyber-bullying, which is defined as bullying, harassment, or intimidation carried out on computers or cell phones. Last nightâs presentation attracted about a dozen people and took place at the Livingston Educational Service Agency on Grand River. County Prosecutor David Morse gave a presentation on the legal aspects of cyber-bullying, including how to spot it in children and what recourse is available for victims. He emphasized the need for parental involvement and supervision to help reduce the occurrence and impact of bullying online. Clinical Therapist Megan Vaccaro from Livingston County Catholic Charities also spoke, focusing more on the psychological causes and effects of cyber-bullying. She tells WHMI that in her experience those who bully others are blind to the damage they may be doing. Morse also spoke about the issue of âsexting,â which occurs when adolescents send sexually explicit material of themselves electronically. He says the practice presents a threat to the reputations, prospects, and physical safety of the students involved. (TD)
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