Burke County Extension
Cyberbullying is Current Topic for Parent Podcast/Download Science of Parenting Podcasts/Nourish Your Bones.
"New technology has given children new ways to bully – sometimes called cyberbullying"
Peggy R. Anderson
Extension Agent
April 20, 2011
Cyberbullying is Current Topic for Parent Podcast
Although schools have begun to learn how to prevent bullying, and the North Dakota Legislature tries to tackle with the bullying issue, new technology has given children new ways to bully – sometimes called cyberbullying. Iowa State University Extension is taking a closer look at cyberbullying in this month’s Science of Parenting radio program podcast.
Warren Blumenfeld, an associate professor in curriculum and instruction at Iowa State, discusses cyberbullying and other bullying trends with program host Douglas Gentile, an ISU Extension specialist and associate professor of psychology, and co-host Mike Murray, who brings the “parent-on-the-street perspective” to the program.
“We’re seeing young people today with deep psychological scars that last throughout their lives because of what society thinks is just a mere rite of passage. But bullying is much more than that,” Blumenfeld said.
People who bully intend to humiliate, coerce or in some way harm others who have less social or physical power, Blumenfeld explained.
Too often bullying is overlooked — young people see their elders, including community and governmental leaders, bullying, so they think it’s acceptable behavior, he said. But the results are unacceptable: bullying can lead to post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, depression, skipping school and lower school grades, increased risk for drug use, and suicidal thoughts or actions in those who are being bullied.
Some reports indicate that face-to-face bullying seems to be decreasing somewhat in schools, but cyberbullying has increased, from mean text messages to embarrassing photos on social networking sites, Blumenfeld said. Cyberbullying often is done anonymously, but it’s as serious as face-to-face bullying.
Blumenfeld has been interested in the effects of bullying for more than 30 years. His research includes topics related to equity, including race, ethnicity, sexual identity and gender expression, religion and socioeconomic status.
Download Science of Parenting Podcasts
The cyberbullying podcast is available for free download from the Science of Parenting website, or can be subscribed to in iTunes. The site at Iowa State University is, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/cyberbullying-topic-science-parenting-podcast Each month a new, 30-minute Science of Parenting program, as well as previous programs, will be available, as well as blog posts and other research-based parenting information.
Nourish Your Bones
Last week I presented this very lesson at the Regional Aging Council Meeting in Bowbells. I believe some of that information needs to be share with you as well.
Keeping our bones healthy is a lifelong process. As we get older, our bodies may break down bone faster than we can make new bone. This can cause problems if our bones don’t have enough stored nutrients to keep them strong. Eating nutrient-rich foods and getting weight-bearing physical activity help keep our bones in good shape no matter what our age.
Get Your Calcium – Calcium provides strength to bone framework. Individuals between ages 19 and 50 need 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day, while those over the age of 50 need at least 1,200 mg each day. Drinking milk instead of sodas or other sweetened beverages is a good step toward better bone health. Good sources of calcium include milk, nonfat yogurt, fortified orange juice, cheese, spinach and broccoli.
Don’t Forget the Sunshine Vitamin – Vitamin D is essential to bone health. Without it, bones may become thin or brittle. Although our bodies make vitamin D naturally from exposure to sunlight, people who live in the northern part of the country do have adequate exposure to sunlight to make enough vitamin D. Deficiency is becoming more and more common. Nutrition experts recommend 1,000 or more International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day through fortified foods and/ or supplements. Good sources of vitamin D include salmon-794 IU/3 ounces, tuna-154 IU/3 ounces and milk-115 IU/3 ounces.
Eat Plenty of Greens – Leafy greens are a good source of calcium, vitamin K and many other nutrients that are important for bone health. Good examples include parsley, Swiss chard, kale,broccoli, spinach. Aim to eat at least three servings (2 to 3 cups) of vegetables each day.
Limit Alcohol Intake & Reduce or Eliminate Smoking
Consider Supplements – Sometimes we may not get all the nutrition we need from our diet alone. Supplements can help bridge the gap to ensure we are getting the nutrients our bones need. Depending on our food choices, we may need supplements of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium to ensure bone health. Talk to your health-care provide before adding a supplement to your diet, and always inform your health care provider of all the supplements you take.
Keep Moving – And finally stay active is important for bone health. Whenever your heel hits the ground, it helps increase bone density and decreases osteoporosis. Try these weight-bearing, bone friendly activities: walking or jogging, dancing, weightlifting.
Schedule
Wednesday, April 20 – Burke County
Thursday, April 21 – Divide County
Friday, April 22 – Good Friday Observed
Monday, April 25 – Burke County
Tuesday, April 26 – Divide County
