Cyber Bullying
What is Cyber Bullying?
With recent advancements in technology, cyber bullying has become an issue inside and outside of
schools. Like traditional bullying, cyber bullying is repeated, hurtful, and involves an imbalance of power.
Cyber bullying uses technology such as email, instant messages (IMs), text messages or images sent over
cell phones, or web site posts to bully others.
How is Cyber Bullying Different from Traditional Bullying?
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Cyber bullies can remain anonymous, leaving the victim to question who is doing the bullying,
which places additional stress on the victim.
The anonymity the internet provides also leads cyber bullies to feel that they can say things they
would not typically say to someone face to face.
With the access to technology, cyber bullies have nearly unlimited access to their victims.
Victims of cyber bullying may fear reporting the cyber bullying because they worry that their
computer or phone privileges may be taken away.
Different Forms of Cyber Bullying
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Harassment: Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages
Denigration: Distributing information about another that is derogatory or untrue through posting it
on a web page, sending it to others through email or IM, or positing or sending digitally altered
photos of someone.
Flaming: on-line fighting using electronic messages with angry, vulgar language.
Impersonation: breaking into an email or social networking account and using that person’s on-line
identity to send or post vicious or embarrassing materials to/about others.
Outing and Trickery: Sharing someone’s secrets or embarrassing information, or tricking someone
into revealing information and forwarding it to others.
Cyber Stalking: Repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm or are highly
intimidating, or engaging in other on-line activities that make a person afraid for his or her safety.
Warning Signs of Cyber Bullying
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Appears upset after using the computer or being online
Appears upset after viewing a text message on a cell phone
Avoids school
Appears sad, moody, and anxious
Withdrawals from social activities
What Can You Do?
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Talk to your child about responsible technology use.
Encourage your child to come to you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened in any way.
Teach your child never to post something they wouldn’t want the whole world-including you- to
see
Report any incidence of online harassment or physical threats to your local police or internet
service provider
Report any bullying through cell phone to your cell phone provider. With a persistent problem
have their number changed.
Additional References:
Cyber-Bullying: Issues and Solutions for the School, the Classroom and the Home. Shaheen Shariff
Browser the Mouse and His Internet Adventure. Barbara Trolley, Constance Hanel & Linda Shields
http://www.olweus.org/public/document/internet_safety_tips_for_parents
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/prevention/parents_role.html