cyerbullying

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology
includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication
tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
Examples of cyberbullying includes mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on
social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.


WHY CYBERBULLYING IS DIFFERENT:
Kids who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are
cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior.

  • Can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone.
    It can happen any time of day or night.
  • Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a
    wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.
  • Deleting inappropriate or harrassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult
    after they have been posted or sent.

EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING:
Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. SOcial media sites can be
used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family,helping students with
school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done
in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similiar.
Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:

  • Use alcohol and drugs.
  • Skip school.
  • Experience in-person bullying.
  • Be unwilling to attend school.
  • Receive poor grades.
  • Have lower self-esteem.
  • Have more health problems.

FREQUENCY OF CYBERBULLYING:

  • 2008-2009 school crime supplement indicates that 6% of students in grades 6-12
    experienced cyberbullying.
  • 2011 youth risk behavior surveillance survey finds that 16% of high school students were
    electronically bullied in the past year.
  • Research on cyberbullying is growing. However, because kids technology use changes rapidly, it is
    difficult to design surveys that accurately capture trends.

CYBERLIFE BY THE NUMBERS - A NEW WORLD FOR MANY PARENTS:

CYBERBULLYING:

  • 43% of teens reported that they have experienced cyberbullying. (NCPC, 2007)
  • 20% of students admitted to cyberbullying others. (CRC, 2010)
  • Only 23% of teens reported being cyberbullied by someone they did not know. (NCPC,2007)

PARENT PERSPECTIVE:

  • 45% of teens say that parents should tell their kids that cyberbullying is wrong.
  • 27% of teens report that their parents have no idea what they are doing online. (NCPC, 2007)

STUDENTS ONLINE:

  • 75% of teens (ages 12-17) have a cell phone (including 58% of 12-year olds)(Lenhart et al.,2010)
  • 27% of teens with cell phones use them to go online. (Lenhart et al.,2010)
  • 95% of teens go online (Lenhart et al.,2011)
  • 80% of teens who go online use social networking websites (Lenhart et al.,2011)

PREVENT CYBERBULLYING:
Parents and kids can prevent cyberbullying. Together, they can explore safe ways to use technology.

BE AWARE OF WHAT YOUR KIDS ARE DOING ONLINE:
Talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly:

  • Know the sites your kids visit and their online activities. Ask where they're going, what they're
    doing, and who they're doing it with.
  • Tell your kids that as a responsible parents you may review their online communications if you
    think there is a reason for concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring
    programs are one option for monitoring your child's online behavior, but do not rely soley
    on these tools.
  • Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the
    devices they use.
  • Ask for their passwords, but tell them you're only use them in case of emergency.
  • Ask to 'friend' or 'follow' your kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so.
  • Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being
    cyberbullied. Explain that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you
    about a problem they are having.

ESTABLISH RULES ABOUT TECHNOLOGY USE:

  • Establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology.
  • Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could
    hurt or embarrass themsevles or others. Once something is posted, it is out of there control whether
    whether someone else will forward it.
  • Encourage kids to think about what they want to see the information and pictures they post online.
    Should complete strangers see it? Real friends only? Friends of friends? Think about how people who aren't
    friends could use it.
  • Tell kids to keep their passwords safe and not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise
    their control over their onine identities and activities.

REPORT CYBERBULLYING:
When cyberbullying happens, it is important to document and report the behavior so it can be addressed.

STEPS TO TAKE IMMEDIATELY:

  • Don't respond to and don't forward cyberbullying messages.
  • Keep evidence of cyberbullying. 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 your cell phone service providers.
  • Block the person who is cyberbullying.

REPORT CYBERBULLYING TO ONLINE SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Cyberbullying often violates the terms of service established by social media sites and internet service
providers.

  • Review their terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections. These describe content that
    is or is not appropriate.
  • Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can
    contact you.
  • Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms
    of services.

REPORT CYBERBULLYING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT:
When cyberbullying involved these activities it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement:

  • 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.
Some states consider other forms of cyberbullying criminal. Consult your state's law.

REPORT CYBERBULLYING TO SCHOOLS:

  • Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying.
    The school can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.
  • In many states, schools are required to address cyberbullying in their anti-bullying police. Some state
    laws also cover off - campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.