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[DigitalCrow]

Cyber Bullying

 

What is Cyber Bullying?
 

Cyber bullying (also called 'online bullying') is when a person or a group of people uses the internet, email, online games or any other kind of digital technology to threaten, tease, upset or humiliate someone else.

 

Examples of cyber bullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

 

Why Cyber Bullying is different?

 

People who are being cyber bullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, people who are cyber bullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior.

• Cyber bullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a person even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.
• Cyber bullying messages and images can sometimes 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 Cyber Bullying

 

Technology is not to blame for cyber bullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting people with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.

 

People who are cyber bullied may express the following:

• Use of alcohol and drugs
• Smoking
• Absence from work/school
• Experience in-person bullying
• Be unwilling to attend school
• Reduced grades

More seriously:

• Suffer Depression
• Marks or cuts caused by Self-Harming
• Have Suicidal Thoughts/Suicide

 

Preventing Cyber Bullying (Advice for Parents)

 

Parents and their children can prevent cyber bullying. Together, they can explore safe ways to use technology.

 

Be aware of what your children are doing online

 

Talk with your children about cyber bullying and other online issues regularly.

• Know the sites your children visit and their online activities. Ask where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re doing it with.
• Tell your children that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is reason for concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring programs are one option for monitoring your child’s online behavior, but do not rely solely on these tools.
• 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 emergency.
• Ask to “friend” or “follow” your children on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so.
• Encourage your children to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyber bullied. Explain that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having.

Establish Rules about Technology Use

 

Establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology. For example, be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re online. Show them how to be safe 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. Once something is posted, it is out of their control whether someone else will forward it.

 

Encourage children to think about who they want to see the information and pictures they post online. Should complete strangers see it? Real friends only? Friends of friends? Think about how people who aren’t friends could use it.

 

Tell children to keep their passwords safe and not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise their control over their online identities and activities.

Understand User Agreement Policys

 

Some websites and online games have developed user policies on uses of their software. Be sure to read these and explain to your child if necessary what they can and cant do.

Reporting Cyber Bullying

 

When cyber bullying happens, it is important to document and report the behavior so it can be addressed.

Steps to take immediately

• Don’t respond or retaliate to cyber bullying messages.
• Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyber bullying to a moderator.
• Block the person who is cyber bullying.

Report Cyber Bullying to Online Service Providers

Cyberbullying often violates the terms of service established by social media sites and internet service providers.

• Review their terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections. These describe content that is or is not appropriate.
• Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.
• Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.

Report Cyber Bullying to Law Enforcement

When cyberbullying involves these activities it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement:

• Threats of violence
• 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

Some countries/states consider other forms of cyber bullying criminal. Consult your country/state laws and law enforcement for additional guidance.

 

Report Cyber Bullying to Schools

• 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 countries/states, schools are required to address cyber bullying in their anti-bullying policy. Some country/state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.

 

Further Resources

 

United States - Stop Bullying

United Kingdom - Childline, Stop Online Abuse

France - TBA

Germany - TBA