Stop Cyberbullying
We stop bullies together, we save lives as well!
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying to me is when you send rude emails or messages online. Most of the time it takes place on electronic devices be computer, cell-phone, or other devices.
Examples of Cyberbullying
- Mean text messages or emails
- Rumors sent by email or posted on social media
- Embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles
Three differences between cyberbullying and bullying
Cyberbullying
- Can happen 24/7 and can reach a person when he/she is alone.
- Cyberbullying messages and images can be put on the internet or social media anonymously and distributed to a bigger audience.
- Deleting the rude messages, images, videos, or comments is harder afterwards.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Many kids who are victims will do one of the following:
- Skip school
- Use alcohol and drugs
- Receive poor grades
- Have more health problems
- Have a lower self-esteem
Prevention and Awareness
Parents can help in many ways to prevent cyberbullying.
- Make sure to know what websites your kids use and what they do while they are online.
- Ask for passwords and tell them you will only use the password in an emergency.
- Ask to "friend" or "follow" your kids on social media or ask another trusted adult to do so.
- Encourage your children to tell you immediately if they or anybody is being cyberbullied. Explain that you will not take their electronic devices if they are honest with you.
- Learn about the websites your kids visit and familiarize yourself with the website.
Establishing Rules
3 Tips to being safe online:
- Tell your kids or anybody to not share their password with anybody and keep it safe.
- Help them be smart about what they post.
- Encourage kids to think about who they want to see the information and pictures they post online
Reporting a Cyberbully
- Don't respond to and don't forward cyberbullying messages.
- Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the date, time, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails and text messages.
- Block the person who is cyberbullying you.
Report to your Online Service Provider
Two ways to report cyberbullying to your service provider are:
- Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.
- Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.
Report to your local Law Enforcement
- Threats of violence
- Taking a photo or video where somebody would expect privacy.
- Stalking and hate crimes.
Report to your School
- Schools can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.
- In many states, some schools are required to address cyberbullying in their anti-bullying policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.