cyberbullying
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying using a variety of electronic media such as the internet and mobile phones to bully, threat or harass, using web pages, chat rooms, emails, social networking sites (eg Facebook or My Space), messaging, etc.
It includes:
-
Teasing and threats
-
Spreading rumours and making allegations
-
Forwarding junk mail and spam
-
Making defamatory comments or posting embarrassing pictures
-
Encouraging others to cease contact with you.
What can I do?
If you are feeling hurt, embarrassed or ashamed by information you read on the net about yourself, or if someone alerts you to material like this it’s important that you take some action to protect yourself:
-
Keep a record including times, dates and content so if you choose to make a complaint you have evidence of what is happening
-
Let someone you trust know what is happening: this might be embarrassing but when someone else knows what’s going on it usually makes it easier to take action
-
Contact your internet service provider (ISP) what is happening. They can assist you to block the source of these messages
-
If the messages are threatening or defamatory (see internet and the law) contact the police, this behaviour is criminal and is breaking the law
-
Don’t respond to bullying messages, bullying usually diminishes when it doesn’t provoke a response
-
Change your contact details. What a pain!!! Sometimes it’s the only way of preventing ongoing contact. Only give out you new details to trusted friends, and keep them secret from everyone else
