for students, parents, educators, and counselors.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass and bully others. It is a form of online social cruelty that can range from humiliation to threats to stalking. Online bullies are called cyberbullies. Cyberbullies can target any age group, but children and teens are especially vulnerable. Cyberbullies also target diverse types of people, including race/ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, disability status, or sexual orientation. It is possible that differences between people is what sometimes leads to cyberbullying. Therefore, it is important to remember that all types of people can be affected by cyberbullying.
What are the effects of cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying has many emotional and psychological consequences for the victim, including: frustration, sadness, anger, feelings of worthlessness, increased stress levels, lowered-self esteem, depression, and anxiety. If these consequences are not properly addressed, the effects can be devastating. A mental health professional -- such as a counselor at school or in the community -- is a great resource to help families effectively deal with the consequences of cyberbullying.
How is cyberbullying done?
Any form of communication technology -- combined with an active imagination -- can be used for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying might include emails, text messages, instant messages, web sites, voting polls, discussion forums, chat rooms, and impersonation.
What are examples of cyberbullying?
There are many ways cyberbullying can occur. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
- Text messaging or e-mailing threats or a mean rumor
- Intentionally sending viruses or spam via email or text messages
- Pretending to be someone else during an instant
message or chat
- Creating or participating in a web site or online voting poll designed to harass, threaten, or humiliate another person
- Creating or participating in an online voting poll or survey designed to humiliate another person
Cyberbullying is a relatively new problem, and we are learning more information each day about how to combat it. Here are some recommended best practices to prevent cyberbullying and what to do if it happens:
- Do not give out private information, such as passwords and PINS
- Do not post personal information in public places, such as your name, age, address, and phone numbers
- Follow "netiquette" rules for being polite and courteous to others while online
- Do not send messages when you are angry -- let some time pass before responding to a message that upsets you
- Delete messages from people you do not know
- Install virus protection software and update it
regularly
- Trust your instincts -- if something does not feel right, it probably isn't -- leave discussion boards and chat rooms that make you feel uncomfortable
- Tell a trusted adult about cyberbullying incidents
- Save cyberbully messages in case you need proof
- Report cyberbullying to your internet service
provider (ISP)
- Block messages from cyberbullies
- Never meet with a cyberbully in person
- Report threats of physical harm to law enforcement and school officials
- Have on-going discussions about internet safety
with children and teenagers
