Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange), Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), and Assemblyman William Scarborough, (D-Jamaica) were joined by Miss New York 2011 Kaitlin Monte, anti-cyberbullying advocates, and victims to announce the launch of the New York Cyberbully Census.
This data gathering initiative - the first of its kind - is expected to provide a comprehensive picture of the problem of cyberbullying in New York State. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, more than 43% of teens nationwide have reported being the victims of cyberbullying. While news of cyberbullying related teen suicides - most recently the death of a 14-year-old Buffalo area student – have been well reported, there are currently no New York specific numbers on just how pervasive and extensive the trend of cyberbullying is.
“We know that there are many students who are being cyberbullied, but we are seeking to learn just how pervasive it has really become,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange). “By gathering the information anonymously from students themselves, we will get an open and honest picture of what these kids are dealing with, which will help us put an end to cyberbullying.”
The New York Cyberbully Census, which can be found at www.nycyberbullycensus.com [2], is a 12-question online survey aimed at gathering information from students in Grades 3-12 throughout New York. The survey is designed to gauge student attitudes, as well as experiences with cyberbullying. The survey is anonymous, allowing students to answer questions honestly and without fear of embarrassment.
The data from the Cyberbully Census, which is expected to run until the end of the year, will be collected and released during the next legislative session, which starts in January 2012.
###
