Cyber Bullying

What is Cyber Bullying?

• electronic bullying or online social cruelty• bullying through email, instant messaging, in

a chat room, on a website or gaming site, or through digital messages or images sent to a cellular phone

• presents some unique challenges in dealing with it

(Kowalski, Limber and Agatston, 2007)

What are some examples of Cyber Bullying?

• flaming - a brief, heated exchange between two or more individuals that occurs in communication ; usually in a chat room, on a social wall, or in a discussion group

• denigration – posting embarrassing pictures or information about someone on a social site or through email

• outing – sharing personal information about a person in a public forum, sometimes in the form of pictures

What are some examples of Cyber Bullying? (cont’d.)

• exclusion – convincing others to de-friend or not accept a friend request from someone because you don’t like that person

• cyber harrassment - repetitive offensive messages sent to someone in email or on a social site

• cyberstalking – using electronic communication to repetitively harass and threaten someone

Who are Cyber Bullies?• Boys• Girls• Any age• From anywhere

How can we Prevent Cyber Bullying?

• Talk to your parents about your cyber experiences

• Don’t participate in negative conversations or “bashing”

• Don’t spread rumors• Make strong passwords, and keep your

passwords a secret

How can we Prevent Cyber Bullying?(cont’d.)

• Use “nettiquette”• Block and report cyber bullies• Use high privacy settings• Treat others with empathy

What to do if you are Cyber Bullied

• Do not respond to the bully• Tell a trusted adult• Save and print the evidence• Flag/report inappropriate content• Report false profiles

Credits/Resources

Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age

http://www.cyberbullyhelp.com/whatis.html

Stop Bullying.gov

http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/webisodes/index.html

Stop Bullying Now

http://takeastand.stopbullying.gov/kids/

It’s My Life

http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/bullies/article4.html