Stop cyber bullying
what is cyber bullying?
what is cyber bullying? Threats or other offensive behavior sent repeatedly online to a person or sent or posted online about the person for others to see are acts of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can range from embarrassing or cruel rumors to threats, harassment, negative comments, digital photos, or stalking through emails, Web pages, text, and IM (instant messaging). While any age group is vulnerable, teenagers and young adults are most commonly targeted, and cyber bullying is a growing problem in schools.
Protecting your self from cyber bulling.
Protecting Yourself from Cyber Bullying • Limit where you post personal information. Be careful who can access contact information
or details about your interests, habits, volunteering, or employment to reduce your exposure to people you do not know. This may limit your risk of becoming a target and may make it easier to identify bullying if you are targeted.
• Avoid making the situation worse. Do not respond to hostility. This will only provoke the person who is cyber bullying to continue. Depending on the circumstances, consider ignoring the issue. Often, more bullying will result when there is a reaction. If you receive unwanted email messages, block the sender, save and print the messages, and tell your teacher, parent, guardian, or another adult you trust.
• Document cyber bullying. Keep a record of any cyber bullying (emails, Web pages, instant messages, text messages), including relevant dates and times. Keep both an electronic version and a printed copy.
• Report cyber bullying to the appropriate authorities. If you continue to be harassed or threatened, have your parent or other trusted adult help you report the activity to the local authorities. Your local police department or FBI branch are good starting points. There is a distinction between free speech and punishable offenses. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors can help sort out legal implications. It may also be appropriate to report it to school officials who may have separate policies for dealing with activity that involves students.