Winter Reading 2013 Words Wound

This book is an incredible resource for tweens and teens as they become more active in the online environment. It covers everything from cyber-safety to how others have dealt with cyberbullying. There are stories from real teenagers who have been tormented using online services. Their tales explain how their attackers used online accounts to harass or embarrass them and spread gossip and insults to others at school or in their community. But there are also accounts of kids standing up for others, forming FaceBook pages and Twitter accounts with the goal of supporting and uplifting other students. Lists of websites to go to for resources are also included. I thought the "Status Update" sections were a great idea. The readers answers questions about their online behavior and then their scores show if they are being safe, putting themselves in danger, etc. Those might be good sections to share with adults, too - since many of them are not as familiar with the various social networks and may not realize they are endangering themselves for identity theft or some other problem.

I would recommend this book to all young adults and also to all teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors that work with them.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The authors have set up a website for the book and there is also a Cyberbullying Research Center for further support.



Here is information on the authors (provided by NetGalley):

Justin W. Patchin, Ph.D., is a professor of criminal justice in the Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. He has presented at the White House and has appeared on CNN and NPR and in Timeand The New York Times to discuss issues related to teens’ use and misuse of technology. Dr. Patchin is the author (with Dr. Hinduja) of Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard, Cyberbullying Prevention and Response, and School Climate 2.0. He lives in Wisconsin.

Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. He is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work on the subjects of cyberbullying and safe social networking. He works with the U.S. Department of Education and many state departments of education to improve their policies on preventing and responding to teen technology misuse. Dr. Hinduja is the author (with Dr. Patchin) of Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard, Cyberbullying Prevention and Response, and School Climate 2.0. He lives in Florida.