Stop Cyberbullying
Bullies are not cool, they're just cruel.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when people are saying mean things and spreading false information about someone else online.
Examples of Cyberbullying
- Mean text messages or emails.
- Rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites.
- Embarrassing pictures.
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. 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 trace the source.
- Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.
Effects of Cyberbullying
- Receive poor grades.
- Have lower self-esteem.
- Skip school.
- Use alcohol and drugs.
- Have more health problems.
Prevention and Awareness
- Know that sites your kids visit and their online activities. Ask where they're going, what they're doing, and who they're doing it with.
- Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the devices they use.
- Ask for their passwords, but tell them you'll only use them in case of an emergency.
- Ask to "friend" or "follow" your kids on social media sites 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 computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having.
Establishing Rules
- Be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they're online.
- Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others.
- Tell kids to keep their passwords 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 to and don't forward cyberbullying messages.
- Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, e-mails, and text messages. Use this 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 sections. These describe content that is or is not appropriate.
- 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
- 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 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 hostile school environment.