Using social media such as Facebook, Instagram and ooVoo to connect with friends and enemies is more and more common among teens.

An increase in reports of cyberbullying has prompted schools and telecommunications companies to step up policies aimed at curbing the abuse, while experts are struggling to understand why it happens.The problem of teens using social media to bully others surfaced recently in Palmerton and Lehighton.In March and April, a 13-year-old boy used various screen names and email accounts to threaten and harass students at Towamensing and Franklin elementary schools via ooVoo and Instagram. The boy has since been charged with making terroristic threats and harassment. Because he is a juvenile, his criminal record and proceedings are private.The number of reports of cyberbulling is on the rise.The Cyberbullying Research Center has reported that almost half of young people have experienced some form of cyberbullying, and 10 percent to 20 percent report being bullied on a regular basis. According to the i-SAFE foundation, 58 percent of children and teens have reported that something mean has been said about or to them online, and 35 percent report having been threatened online, said Dr. Krystine Batcho, psychology professor at Ohio State University."The Internet is the new playground for many children," said Carbon County District Attorney Gary Dobias. "Years ago, threats and bullying were done in person, typically on playgrounds. Now, with cellphones and computers, the Internet is the new playground. That's why we're seeing an increasing number of reports."Cyberbullying isn't just a harmless prank, Dobias said."Lots of times kids think it's funny, but there are serious consequences," he said. "Kids should be aware that they may be charged with a crime."Cyberbullying can take the form of threats, sexually explicit messages, videos or text messages. It can be spreading rumors or hurtful gossip.Whether the message can be prosecuted depends on what it is, Dobias said.Threats and some sexually explicit messages can be considered criminal, he said."If it's criminal in nature, threats, for example, police will get involved and conduct an investigation," Dobias said.Sexually explicit or harassing messages, or releasing information on the Internet about someone under the age of 18 may also be considered criminal acts.If the bully is under 18, the matter is usually handled by the juvenile justice system. If he or she is over 18, the cases go to criminal court, and the cyberbullies may end up with a criminal record that can deny them entrance to college or cost them a good job.A psychologist's perspectiveDr. Anthony L. Drago, chairman of East Stroudsburg University's Psychology Department, said the personalities of cyberbullies and their reasons for bullying are varied."However, bullying of all types is an alarming sign for the development of an anti-social personality, especially if there is no empathy for the victim or remorse for the bullying," he said."A recent study by MSN found that 70 percent of cyberbullies also engaged in face-to-face bullying, and 30 percent bullied only in the cyberworld. Typical reasons for bullying include dominance over others, revenge, jealously, prejudice and a warped type of entertainment. Bullies often have long-term behavioral difficulties," Drago said."Cyberbullying is often more difficult to deal with because it is often anonymous and can occur at any time. With face-to-face bullies, the victim can acquire skills to deal with the bully or seek assistance from friends or adults. Fighting against cyberbullies is like fighting a shadow," he said.Drago said that "typically bullies have been described as controlling, competitive or aggressive. Such traits, though, can often be attributed to environmental conditions. For example, a bully can be a youngster who feels rejected, frustrated or helpless to change important aspects of their school or home life. Academic difficulties, domestic violence in the home and little social support can all contribute to bullying behavior."Bullies often feel lonely, not accepted by their peers, and angry about their inability to change their isolated social status. Often they lack healthy social skills and/or normal communication skills, and they may be more likely to engage in substance abuse," Drago said. "Victims of cyberbullying can experience a number of mental health impacts. Researchers have documented that victims are at higher risk for low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders, anxiety and loneliness. Behaviorally, victims can become more isolated, experience decreased academic achievement and become more prone to angry outbursts."What schoolsare doingAlthough schools have no control over what students type into Facebook or other social media sites in their off-hours, educators are doing what they can to develop in their charges a sense of respect for others.Northern Lehigh School District reported no incidents of bullying to the state Department of Education's Safe Schools mandatory reporting survey for 2012-2013. That's down from 13 incidents in 2006-2007.Superintendent Michael Michaels credits the drop to a number of initiatives, including the recently implemented Positive Behavior Support program."We're doing everything we can do to improve discipline from a positive standpoint. It's been very effective," he said.The program rewards appropriate behavior respect, manners and courtesy rather than focusing on infractions.The Weatherly Area School District also reported no instances of bullying in 2006-2007 or 2012-2013."Each year we have several bullying and cyber bullying programs provided by our PTA, the American Legion Auxiliary, and presentations from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office," said Superintendent Thomas McLaughlin. "We also provide information to students through our guidance classes. I credit our faculty and staff, principals and guidance counselors for their attention in addressing potential instances of bullying in a quick manner."The Jim Thorpe Area School District also reported no bullying in 2012-2013. The district has adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which involves all adults in a school, including parents, in a "system-change" that aims to root out bullying. The program encourages students to help classmates who are being bullied, to tell an adult if they see a student being bullied, and to try to include students who are being left out of gatherings and activities.The program is nationally acclaimed and touts a high success rate.The Panther Valley School District, which also employs the Positive Behavior Support program, tackles cyberbullying as incidents crop up. The district reported three bullying incidents in 2012-2013."When we have a cyberincident, we call our solicitor to make sure we are following the law correctly. We involve the police and parents," said Superintendent Rosemary Porembo."It really is a 'new' world when you consider how we communicate and where social media is going. First, the district has a policy that deals with the acceptable use of the Internet. The district filters the use of the Internet, in that the use of social media vehicles such as Facebook is blocked," she said. "All teachers who use the Internet with their students are responsible to inform students the acceptable rules of network etiquette, and state and federal law. This includes bullying and cyberbullying, hate mail, discriminatory remarks and offensive or inflammatory communication, to mention a few."Porembo said that when any incident does occur, "we try to use it to teach students the law. In recent years we had Carbon County District Attorney Gary Dobias speak to our high school students about cyberbullying. At our middle school, (Special Agent) Janine Holter (of the state Attorney General's office) spoke about cyberbullying also. We have a course within our middle school health curriculum that addresses coping with anger and communication skills. Both of these units deal with learning techniques for self-control and how to communicate effectively to avoid misunderstandings."Calls to the superintendents of the Lehighton and Palmerton school districts were not returned.What parents can doPatricia Agatston of the Prevention/Intervention Center is a co-author of "Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age."Her advice?"Model online civility and being fully present with (your) kids. Communicate regularly about being a positive citizen online as well as offline. Discuss ways to support others who may be targeted. Keep the lines of communication open and let your children know that they can come to you if they are having a problem and that you will support them and problem solve with them. Avoid overreacting or blaming the victim."