Cyberbullying
Don't be mean behind the screen.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is threatening, harassing, or calling someone names someone over the internet. It's commonly seen on social media sights such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Examples of Cyberbullying
Examples of Cyberbullying are:
1.) Rude or mean comments/messages
2.) Rumors posted on social media sights or sent over messages
3.) Fake profiles meant to harass someone
Three Differences Between Cyberbullying & Bullying
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children and is usually repeated. bullying happens in person where as cyberbullying is over a computer and not face to face. Cyberbullying comes home with you and regular bullying stays at school or somewhere in public. Finally, bullying can not only be harsh but also physical while cyberbullying causes emotional damage.
Effects of Cyberbullying
- Use alcohol and drugs
- Skip school
- Be unwilling to attend school
- Receive poor grades
- Have lower self-esteem
Prevention & Awareness
How parents can understand what their child is doing online:
- Ask for passwords
- Know what they do online and in texts
- "Friend' or "Follow" them online
- Encourage them to report cyberbullying
- Know what websites they're on
Establishing Rules
- Keep your passwords safe and only available to you or your parents.
- Be smart about what you post and say.
- Keep your profile on private.
Reporting a Cyberbully
Immediate Actions:
- Don't respond to or forward the messages
- Keep evidence of the cyberbullying
- Block the person who is cyberbullying
Report to Your Online Service Provider
- Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.
- Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.
Report to Your Local Law Enforcement
Activities that should lead to contacting the Law:
- Threats of violence
- Taking a photo or video of someone in a place where he or she would expect privacy
- Stalking and hate crimes
Report to Your School
Schools can help by...
- using the information to help inform prevention and response strategies
- addressing cyberbullying in their anti-bullying program