Cyber-Bullying

What is Cyber-Bullying?

HELP VICTIMS OF CYBER-BULLYING

Cyberbullying is when one person or a group of people aim to threaten, tease or embarrass someone else by using a mobile phone, the Internet or other communication technologies.

What are the effects of Cyber-Bullying?

Even though cyberbullying cannot physically hurt you, it can still leave you feeling mentally vulnerable and very upset. You can also feel scared, lonely and stressed and that there’s no way out.

Escaping cyberbullying can be very difficult. Because anyone can get access to a mobile phone or the Internet almost anywhere. it can be difficult for those on the receiving end to avoid it, even in the safety of their own home.

"I felt that no-one understood what I was going through. I didn't know who was sending me these messages, and I felt powerless to know what to do."

Gary

Year 10

What can you do about it?

Even though those that use the web to target and bully others think that they can remain anonymous. This isn’t the case. Even someone using a false name or email address can be traced and banned by social networks and email providers if they’re found to be bullying others.

Don’t be tempted to take on the person who’s carrying out the bullying yourself by responding to them in a way that’s just as threatening. You may become guilty of bullying yourself, or make yourself another target for someone to threaten. If you do notice bullying taking place on instant messenger, in a chatroom or on a social networking site, report it to the your teacher, website administrators, or internet service provider. You should be able to do this easily through the site itself.

If you notice bullying happening on a mobile phone, contact your mobile service provider.

If you encounter any other forms of cyberbullying, especially those that use racism, religious hate, homophobia or threats of actual violence, tell your parents, your teacher or if you think that the content is illegal – the police.

How to deal with cyber-bullying is part of the taught curriculum in Digital Learning lessons.