Cyber-bullying
Facts, Prevention, Reporting
What is Cyber-bullying?
Cyber-bullying, by definition, is the use of electronic communication (i.e. phones, computers, tablets, etc.) to bully an individual. This is typically done by sending threats and messages of intimidating nature.
Facts/Statistics/Examples
- Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online.
- 68% of teens agree that cyber-bullying is a serious problem.
- Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
- About 75% of students admit they have visited a website bashing another student.
Prevention
There are a number of ways to prevent cyber-bullying. Such ways include:
- Be aware of what kids are doing online.
- Establish rules about technology use.
- Understand school rules.
- Keep personal information personal.
Reporting
If you or someone you know is a victim of cyber-bullying, you should:
- Not respond to and not forward cyber-bullying messages
- Keep all evidence of cyber-bullying, such as dates, times, and descriptions of incidents.
- Block the person who is cyber-bullying.
- Report cyber-bullying to online service providers.
- Report cyber-bullying to law enforcement.
- Report cyber-bullying to schools.
Additional Info: Myths
- It is believed that youth are more likely to be bullied online than in person, but face-to-face bullying is far more common.
- Cyber-bullying is often believed to only occur on social media sites, but can happen anywhere where young people can communicate.
- Some believe that youth that go online often are bullied the most, but most who go online are not bullied at all.
Sources
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/connected/201403/the-top-5-myths-cyberbullying
http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report/
http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention/
http://www.deletecyberbullying.org/preventing-cyberbullying/
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying