Tools exist to help fight cyber-bullying

The last few months have proved a need for public information and consultation on how to deal with cyber-bullies. After speaking with a former classmate and county judge about my own personal experience with this type of bullying, I was concerned that even judges seem to have very little recourse in defending themselves from personal hostile attacks.

There are Web services that can create a revised hierarchy in the order information is presented under your name and/or Google alerts when your name is linked to online information. These and other tools can be used to defend some of today's cyber-slander.

I was lucky to find a way to diplomatically address my cyber-bully with guidance from the University of Iowa's Main Library. The administration showed me it could be helpful to other adults and children. As people have embraced the Web 2.0 environment, it is clear that we need library services with the ability to address public needs in defending our identities in the digital environment.

Rockwell International has supported many wonderful digital initiatives in Iowa's Technology Corridor. I invite them (and other organizations) to work with the UI in developing a public project where people can receive free consultation for personal digital defense.

Stephanie L. Sueppel

Iowa City