Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying Second Edition

The authors of this book, Drs. Sameer Hinduja and Justin Patchin, did an excellent job discussing cyberbullying, in great detail, and providing prevention responses for adults. Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard is a book that not only provides an insight of the nature and forms of cyberbullying but also real-life stories of victims, which helped me put myself in someone else’s shoes. I believe the authors embraced the subject by including real-life stories to educate readers about the importance of understanding and preventing cyberbullying. I found the text easy to read and the graphs and charts easy to understand, making it accessible for adults as well as for young adults. Drs. Hinduja and Patchin did a great job organizing the content of this book by separating the material into chapters and sections. The words in this book are an accurate insight to what we should be aware of and what tools are available to us socially and legally. There is a great danger lurking in cyberspace creating major danger for all of our young adults. We build our homes and raise our families to have a safe and solid future together, then without our knowledge we have lost control of our children's lives and their futures. This book has been published in a very timely manner and informs us how to educate and protect our children from these teenage cyber phantoms creating disastrous tragedies to the lives of anyone they decide to destroy, unfortunately they have limitless victimization available to them through the cybernet. This text is an informative and well organized resource on cyberbullying and should be studied by all involved in the upbringing and/or education of children. The framework of this book provides a proactive view of the negative side of technologies and the serious problems children and young adults face today. Those young adults that have experienced being bullied over the Internet, now have this book is a source to help them overcome this traumatic situation and find peace for their lives. I encourage all adults that are raising children or that work with them, to read this extraordinary book and use it to put 'cyberbullying' into proper perspective, and most importantly to be able to combat these disastrous tragedies, socially and legally, for our society's future.

Every chapter in this book presents ideas, dissects them, and leaves you thinking. The multifaceted concept of bullying is thoroughly analyzed, leaving barely any room for confusion, questioning, or arguments. The authors admit to their limitations and vulnerabilities head on, specifically concerning the lack of statistics and knowledge of cyberbullying. I particularly enjoyed the tone of the book; it seemed like an open discussion. Each concept wasn’t limited to a black and white answer; instead, numerous explanations and suggestions were given. I also liked that I could sense the passion the authors had for the cause through their well-constructed arguments. I found myself having questions and finding answers in the following sentences. Additionally, the information teenagers shared with the author’s reveals how important the cause is to them as well. I’d like to note the authors don’t limit their audience to school administrators, teenagers, or parents. They are able to hit every perspective and speak to a wider audience. Nevertheless, I would have liked to see more information on the root, effects, and cultural cycle of cyberbullying.Ultimately, the book, to me, is more than words on 282 pages; it is more than stories, research, and hard facts. It is part of teenagers’ healing process; it’s a tool that has the ability to prevent cyberbullying, pain, depression, and even suicide. All of those factors combined with thorough research, leave one wanting to go out and change the world in a big, or in a small way. Therefore, the book has a great power of influence over thoughts about cyberbullying, and behavior in general.

Bullying Beyond the School Yard is a book with information and tips on how to prevent and respond to cyber-bullying. The way the book is laid out I see it appealing more to an older demographic maybe a principal or teacher at a school. I would not give this book to kids in your class and expect them to understand everything that is presented. The reason why this book would appeal to teachers over students is because it goes in depth into the cyber-bullying world. With case law and all the information on what to do to handle these cyber bullying situations. One can really learn the responsibilities and role that they should play when a situation of cyber bullying exists are your school or work place. This book makes you think beyond just the school walls and provides real scenarios. Any educator would want to read this book to be updated on the problems of today’s kids. Bullying no longer is just a little teasing at the park with all the technological advances the Internet and the people that hide behind the Internet our kids could likely be in danger. I would hope this book would be in your library so cyber bulling can be prevented and stopped.