Cyber bullying is something that progresses with technology, from verbal bullying to the use of electronic devices. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumours sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles, you name it. There are so many areas where cyberbullying can take place.
Why is Cyber bullying different?
Kids/adults who are being cyber bullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behaviour.
Cyber bullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid/adults even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.
Cyber bullying 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.
What SHOULD you do when it comes to Cyber bullying?
Talk to someone that you trust about what is happening.
Keep evidence of cyber bullying. 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 cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers.
Block the person who is Cyber bullying. Report Cyber bullying to online service providers.
Report the Cyber bullying to the Law enforcement if you feel that it is:
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
What NOT to do with Cyber bullying.
Do not keep quiet and hope that it is going to go away.
Do not blame yourself. It is not your fault. No matter what a cyberbully says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel. The cyber bully is the person with the problem, not you.
Do not respond to the messages or anything and do not forward it. That is what the bully wants, reaction.
Do not delete the messages or mails or anything keep it as evidence BUT also do not beat yourself up. Don't make a cyberbullying incident worse by dwelling on it or reading the message over and over.
Do not hang out with people who indulge themselves with Cyber bullying or any forms of bullying for that matter, make friends with others who complement each other in a positive way.
