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| Credits: huffingtonpost.com |
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is like playground bullying, but it's done either online or with cell phones. It can take the form of individual harassment, public humiliation, or both. The viral nature of online life and cell phones makes sending humiliating or degrading messages, pictures, or videos simple and immediate and anonymous. Screen names easily disguise bullies' identities. Sometimes they can even pretend to be the victims, posting comments that look like the victims wrote them. Other times, the cyberbullying can take the form of direct threats -- either physical ones or social ones.
Why You Should Care?
Because it could happen to you, and it could damage anyone emotionally. The self esteem and self confidence -- not to mention sense of physical safety -- all take huge hits when bullying is involved. You may not want to tell anyone you're being bullied ... You might be embarrassed or might not want to own up to the fact you're on sites you aren't supposed to be on.
Some Facts You Should Know:
• 1 in 3 teens say they've been cyberbullied.
• Cyberbully 411 reports that 40% of teens say their cyberbullying took place on instant messenger services. 30% said it happened on social networking sites, and 29% said they were bullied while playing an online game.
• USA Today reports that girls generally mock others for their physical appearance, while boys tend to make more sexually explicit comments.
• Cyberbullying is especially prevalent in middle school-aged kids (9-14).
Common Sense Says:
If you are being cyberbullied, there are things you can do to stop it:
• Don't respond. Engaging with a bully only fuels the fire. Plus, any response could be circulated immediately.
• Sign off and block the bully. Get offline, and use your instant messenger's blocking features. On cell phones, only answer known numbers.
• Change contact information. If someone is pretending to be you, change your passwords. If someone creates false profiles, contact the company that hosts the site and report the cyberbullying.
• Save all bullying emails. Send them to your Internet service provider.
• Understand that you will not be judged or ridiculed when you report a cyber bully. Adults just want you to be safe.
• For more information, see your school's guidance counselor or email: topteenschat@gmail.com
Edited article adapted from: Common Sense Media.
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