Schwartz, Heather E. Cyberbullying.

Schwartz, Heather E.    Cyberbullying.  Capstone 2013  32p  ISBN 978-1-4296-9944-0  series: Tech Safety Smarts   elem      Hardback    VG-BNS  Nonfiction     

Heather Schwartz deserves praise for the organization, anecdotal information, charts and tactful handling of the content.  She takes a subject that is complex, breaks it down for young children, and presents the topic using repetitive, easy-to-understand text.  She begins with a definition and a chart to help the reader decide if he or she has ever been a cyberbully.  Chapter 2 discusses the reasons cyberbullies threaten or hurt others, the effects on victims and the consequences that ensue if one is caught.  Chapter 3 describes ways to avoid expressing one’s anger online and offers suggestions that will help the potential cyberbully diffuse anger.  The final chapter is all about taking control of the situation, finding a trusted adult in whom to confide, or reporting cyberbullying to website monitors.  Helpful advice is displayed in colorful text boxes.  Children who witness cyberbullying but are not themselves victims are advised to help.  For children taking beginning technology courses, there is a variety of helpful additions, including vocabulary words defined in the text, topics for discussion, Internet sites, resources to consult and a glossary.  The color choices and layout support this useful guide to cyberbullying.

The series Tech Safety Smarts is a new series that presents books on cell phone safety, gaming safety, social networking and cyberbullying.  Each book defines the topic and employs graphic organizers, fact boxes and quizzes in a colorful, well-organized layout. Technology teachers in elementary schools will enjoy an exciting first week with this book and should stock a copy for their students to study.  Elementary-school libraries will want to stock the entire series.     

Summary: Children learn the definition of cyberbullying, how to prevent it, how to stop themselves from becoming cyberbullies and how to help others who are victims.

Cyberbullying                                               --Martha Squaresky