CyberBullying
By: Olivia Bailey
What is Cyberbullying?
cy·ber·bul·ly·ing
the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
It can happen anywhere. Over Facebook, twitter, Instagram, text messaging, and even online video games.
Facts and statistics
- Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online.
- 70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online.
- 81% of young people think bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person.
- 90% teens have seen online bullying say they have ignored it.
- Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
- About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online.
- Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
Examples of Cyberbullying
Here are some other examples of behavior that could cross the line into cyberbullying:
- Sending a mean text or message to someone
- Posting mean things about someone on a website
- Making fun of someone in an online chat
- Impersonating someone online—including creating a fake online profile (Catfish)
- Repeatedly texting someone to the point of harassment
- Directly threatening or intimidating someone online or in a text
- Starting rumors or spreading gossip online
- Stealing someone’s password and logging into someone else’s account
- Taking a photo or video and sharing it without the subject’s consent, knowing it might be embarrassing
Prevention
- Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online
- Talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly.
- Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyberbullied.
- Establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology.
- Help them be smart about what they post or say.
- Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others.
- Once something is posted, it is out of their control whether someone else will forward it.
- Protect their passwords
Reporting
- Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.
- Block the person who is cyberbullying
Report Cyberbullying to Law Enforcement
Report Cyberbullying to Schools
Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers.
Victims
Where to get help
Hotline/helpline number: 1-800-273-8255
Online Links:
http://www.deletecyberbullying.org/preventing-cyberbullying/
http://www.connectsafely.org/tips-to-help-stop-cyberbullying/
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/cyberbullying.htm
http://au.professionals.reachout.com/how-to-support-victims-of-cyberbullying