Stop Cyberbullying
Bullying is for losers
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying, in my opinion, is the act of making malicious comments and/or spreading lies about other people on the Internet. It can be practiced on social media sites (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
Examples of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can be expressed in:
- mean text messages or emails
- rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites
- embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles
Three differences between bullying and cyberbullying
Bullying and cyberbullying are expressed in different versions.
- Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen at any time of the day or night.
- Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.
- Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to:
- Use drugs and alcohol
- Skip school
- Experience in-person bullying
- Receive poor grades
- Have lower self-esteem
Prevention & Awareness
Adults can protect their kids online by:
- Monitoring social media profiles
- Limit the time they spend online
- Blocking unwanted people
- Getting to know their kids' friends online
- Talk with their kids if they suspect their kids are being bullied
Establishing Rules
Kids can stay safe online by:
- Not posting any personal information (phone number, home address)
- Keeping privacy settings to the highest they can be
- Thinking carefully before posting pictures or videos of themselves
Reporting a Cyberbully
When being cyberbullied, you should:
- Block the cyberbully
- Save the evidence
- Don't respond to and don't forward cyberbullying messages
Report to your Online Service Provider
If you wish to report your cyberbully, you should:
- Review the site's terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections. These describe content that is or is not appropriate.
- 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
If you're being cyberbullied, these activities should be reported to law enforcement:
- 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
Cyberbullying creates a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying. Schools can:
- use information to help inform prevention and response strategies.
- address cyberbullying in their anti-bullying policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.