Talk addresses tech use and cyberbullying

By Julia Wolf

Like many aspects of the modern world, bullying has moved into the online realm.

Community members who would like to learn more about preventing and responding to inappropriate online behaviors, are invited to attend a presentation by Justin Patchin, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center and professor of criminal justice at UW-Eau Claire. The presentation, titled Teen Technology Use and Misuse, will be held at the Lake Holcombe School, Tuesday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m.

The talk is funded by the Lake Holcombe Education Foundation (LHEF) and will cover a brief overview of cyberbullying, including issues parents, educators and teens need to know about, how youth use and misuse technology to cause harm to their peers.

Kurt Lindau, Lake Holcombe district administrator, says it is important to talk about technology, and misuse of it, to help protect vulnerable students.

“It is important to educate our students and community about the dangers that exist when technology is misused,” said Lindau.

Patchin will also share examples of cyberbullying and describe some of the popular areas online, along with strategies to make sure they are used safely.

Lindau says he hopes the online safety tips are helpful for people, as recent news stories and events show that bad things can happen, even in rural, northern Wisconsin.

“Technology is a great tool when used properly, but when used improperly, can create many headaches for parents and school staff,” said Lindau. “We want to educate more thoroughly on the proper use, so we all know what the boundaries are.”

More information about the Cyberbullying Research Center is also available online, at cyberbullying.org.