Harvard finds bullies are the big risk to kids, not the internet

January 26, 2009 6:57 AM

Harvard finds bullies are the big risk to kids, not the internet - Tasked to find the magnitude of the danger of the internet to children, a Harvard team finds bullying and harassment in everyday life of far higher frequency compared to 'relative safety' of online community. The Full Report by the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
posted by Argyle (16 comments total)

Harvard also finds that water is wet.
posted by The Whelk at 6:58 AM on January 26, 2009 [4 favorites]

Shocking!!!!

Well, what do those eggheads know.
posted by delmoi at 7:05 AM on January 26, 2009

Yup. I got asked to do a community presentation about "Cybersafety" for the local school district, and they were quite unwilling to understand that the real risk isn't predation.
posted by Stewriffic at 7:05 AM on January 26, 2009

I know search isn't working, but isn't this a double? Or am I thinking of a very similar conclusion from the State Attorneys General?
posted by Navelgazer at 7:06 AM on January 26, 2009

You could just put it down to moral panic.
posted by caddis at 7:08 AM on January 26, 2009

No, I'm pretty sure it was gangs of 10-12 internets that jumped me, beat me up, stole my things, and ostracized me.
posted by Dark Messiah at 7:26 AM on January 26, 2009

Coincidentally, bullies are also a big risk to lunch money.
posted by chillmost at 7:31 AM on January 26, 2009

I am offended by those billboards (me? offended by a billboard?) that say "One out of every X children is sexually solicited online" or something stupid like that.

My youngest is ten and most tech savvy. He likes to post videos of our pets on YouTube.

As a teacher, may I add that I see the birth and development of the bullying--in person--and I see in some of the bleakest most underrated inner city school environments a concerted effort on the part of the adults to teach (read: remind children of their innate) empathy and kindness. Not punishment and retribution. Mind you I will not go near a middle school. Many people homeschool for just this reason when their kids reach middle school age.

And don't make fun of Harvard. That's my husband's job.
posted by emhutchinson at 7:31 AM on January 26, 2009 [2 favorites]

It could be a double, but without search I couldn't check. I read the story in the LA Times today and thought it was well written.
posted by Argyle at 7:32 AM on January 26, 2009

Fox headline: Harvard defends online predators
posted by fleetmouse at 7:38 AM on January 26, 2009 [2 favorites]

And don't make fun of Harvard. That's my husband's job.

Or what??? *crumples up a piece of paper*, *makes evil glares and looks at flagpole* *grunts to big shouldered subservients*

Hmm... ok you can tell I wasn't a bully in grade school...
posted by cavalier at 7:41 AM on January 26, 2009

And to be clear, my sarcasm meter was working, I just tried desperately for a joke there. Ho hum, happy Monday!
posted by cavalier at 7:41 AM on January 26, 2009

Here's the double, I think.
posted by Stewriffic at 7:42 AM on January 26, 2009

Aye, 'tis a double. Same subject, different link.

I would add to the conclusion that it is adults acting like teenagers that also constitute a danger (in that they can seriously detract from your enjoyment) for other users of the internet , c.f. any Mefi flameout. This is just one of the issues facing nascent online communities.
posted by asok at 7:48 AM on January 26, 2009

Next up, bullies get field research grants in an effort to determine, once and for all, why you're hitting yourself.
posted by Spatch at 7:51 AM on January 26, 2009 [5 favorites]

Hey, McFly! I thought I told you never to come in here.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 8:08 AM on January 26, 2009