Stop Cyberbullying
Hashtag this STOP BULLYING
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone is making rude or mean acts to someone or saying something rude over electronic devices and online.
Examples of Cyberbullying
There are many examples of cyberbullying but three of them include: Sending mean texts or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social network, and embarrassing pictures videos, websites, or fake profiles.
Three differences between cyberbullying and bullying.
- Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen 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 track the source.
- Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:
- Receive poor grades
- Use alcohol and drugs
- Have lower self-esteem
- Have more health problems
- Be unwilling to attend school
Prevention and Awareness
- Know the sites their kids are on and their online activities.
- Have a sense of what they do online and in texts.
- Ask for passwords and tell them you'll only use it in case of emergency.
- Ask to friend or follow their kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so.
- Tell kids as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is a reason for concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring programs are one option for monitoring your child's online behavior, but don't rely solely on these tools.
Establishing Rules
- Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others
- Encourage kids to think about who they want to see the information and pictures they post online. Think about people who aren't friends could use it.
- Tell them to keep their password safe and not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise their control over their online identities and activities.
Reporting a Cyberbully
- Don't respond or forward cyberbullying messages.
- Block the person who is cyberbullying.
- Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred.
Report to your Online Service Provider
- Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.
- Visit social media centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.
Report to your local Law Enforcement
- Child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos
- 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 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.