Stop Cyberbullying
Be Happy Bullies Hate It!
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullyng is the harassment of child by another user through the internet or a mobile device.
Examples of Cyberbullying
- Mean text messages or emails
- Rumors sent by email or posted on social networking cites
- Embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles
Three differences between cyberbullying and bullying
- Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and reach a kid even when he or she is alone.
- Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can sometimes be 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
Being cyberbullied can cause a child to:
- use alcohol and drugs
- skip school
- experience in-person bullying
- be unwilling to attend school
- have lower self-esteem
Prevention and Awareness
Adults can prevent cyberbullying by:
- Knowing the sites your kids visit and their online activities
- Tell your kids that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is a concern.
- Have a sense of what they do online, learn about the sites they use, try out the devices they use.
- Ask to "friend" or "follow" your kid on social media cites or ask another trusted adult to do so.
- Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they or someone they know is being cyberbullied. Explain that you will not take away their cell phones or computers if they confide in you about a problem they are having.
Establishing Rules
- Be clear about what sides your child can visit and what they are permitted to do.
- Tell your child not to post anything that could hut or embarrass themselves or others.
- Encourage kids to think about who they want to see the stuff they post online.
Reporting a Cyberbully
- Don't respond to and do not forward cyberbullying messages.
- Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Keep dates, times, and descriptions of instances where cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages. Use evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers.
- Block the person who is cyberbullying.
Report to your Online Service Provider
- Review their terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities section, so you can see what is and what is not appropriate.
- 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
You should contact the law if :
- threats of violence
- Child pornography or sending sexual explicit messages or photos
- stalking and hate crimes
Report to your School
- Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying. The school can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.
- In many states, 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.