Cyber Bullying
Bullies have been around for a long time, but with the expansion of the Internet, they are electronically
empowered to mistreat or even torment others. With children being “connected” 24 hours per day - 7
days per week, bullying no longer requires physical presence. Offensive and menacing messages can
be disseminated quickly and anonymously. According to a recent survey, 42% of children have been
cyber bullied and 35% have been threatened online. Peer approval is very important to children, which
means cyber bullying can have a negative and destructive emotional effect on its victims ranging from
hurt feelings, intense anger and even suicide. Sadly, very few children report such occurrences to an
adult.
Cyber bullying is a form of harassment and aggressive behavior intended to harm others through
technological means such as the Internet, text messaging, or voice mail messages. Threatening or
malicious messages can be sent directly to a person, or hurtful or humiliating comments can be posted
about a person. There are several ways that youth and adults threaten and/or harass others online.
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Instant Messaging/Text Messages – It is easy for children to make cruel remarks online that
they wouldn’t say in person. Threatening comments and inappropriate photos/videos can be
sent. Warning wars may also occur through instant messaging. Meant to be used as an instant
message security device, the warning tool is sometimes used as a prank to get a child “kicked
off” for a period of time.
Steal Passwords – Bullies steal passwords and pretend to be that person and make offensive
comments, block the victim from accessing his or her own account, or change the profile to
include sexual or racist remarks.
Blogs/Social Networking Sites – Social networking sites provide children with the opportunity
to express their creativity, connect with their friends and socialize online, but they can also be
misused to ruin a child’s reputation or invade his or her privacy. Bloggers may post
embarrassing or false information about a victim.
Websites – Websites, sometimes with password protection, are created to target students and
teachers.
Photos sent through e-mail and cell phones – Cyber bullies send nude or degrading photos
that have been altered or taken in locker rooms, dressing rooms or bathrooms, which are
instantly circulated to countless others.
Interactive Gaming – Gaming devices allow cyber bullies or “Griefers” to stalk and intimidate
their victims. “Griefers” sabotage the game by harassing, deceiving, and/or cheating other
players.
Viruses – Bullies can send malicious code such as viruses, worms, spyware and hacking
programs that will destroy a computer or spy on a victim.
Resource - stopcyberbullying.org
Victim and Offender Warning Signs:
Children who are victims of cyber bullying may display the following signs:
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Suddenly stops using the computer or the Internet.
Appears anxious when an email or instant message is received.
Is reluctant to go to school.
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Is depressed, angry or frustrated after using the computer.
Becomes withdrawn from family and friends.
Children who are cyber bullying others may display the following signs:
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Switches screens or closes a program when an adult enters the room.
Uses the computer late at night.
Is disturbed when he or she cannot use the computer.
Laughs excessively when using the computer.
Refuses to discuss online activity.
Is using multiple online accounts or accounts belonging to someone else.
Prevention
Education, supervision and involvement are essential for the prevention of
cyber bullying. Parents should instruct children to be respectful of others
online, establish rules of netiquette, monitor computer use and have an
ongoing conversation with their children about online activities.
Dealing with Cyber Bullying
Because cyber bullying can range from rude comments to lies, impersonations and threats, responses
may depend on the nature and severity of the cyber bullying. Here are some actions that can be taken
after-the-fact.
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Strongly encourage your child not to respond to the cyber bullying.
Preserve evidence – this is crucial for indentifying the bully and making a case.
Try to identify the individual doing the cyber bullying. Even if the cyber bully is anonymous
(e.g., is using a fake name or someone else’s identity) there may be a way to track them
through your Internet Service Provider. If the cyber bullying is criminal (or if you suspect that
it may be), contact the police and ask them to investigate.
Sending inappropriate language may violate the “Terms and Conditions” of e-mail services,
Internet Service Providers, web sites, and cell phone companies. Consider contacting providers
and filing complaints.
If the cyber bullying is coming through e-mail or a cell phone, it may be possible to block
future contact from the cyber bully. Of course, the cyber bully may assume a different identity
and continue.
Contact your school. If the cyber bullying is occurring through your school district’s Internet
system, school administrators have an obligation to intervene. Even if the cyber bullying is
occurring off campus, make school administrators aware of the problem. They may be able to
help you resolve the cyber bullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying.
Consider contacting the cyber bully’s parents, if known. These parents may be very concerned
to learn that their child has been cyber bullying others, and they may effectively put a stop to
the bullying. On the other hand, these parents may be defensive, so proceed cautiously. If you
decide to contact a cyber bully’s parents, communicate with them in writing — not face-toface. Present proof of the cyber bullying (e.g., copies of an e-mail message) and ask them to
make sure the cyber bullying stops.
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Consider contacting an attorney in cases of serious cyber bullying. In some circumstances, civil
law permits victims to sue a bully and/or his or her parents in order to recover damages.
Contact the police if cyber bullying involves acts such as:
o Threats of violence
o Extortion
o Obscene or harassing phone calls or text messages
o Harassment, stalking, or hate crimes
o Child pornography
If you are uncertain if cyber bullying violates criminal laws, contact the police in your area to
discuss.
For Children – Avoiding Bullies
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Don’t give out personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address or
passwords - personal, family or friends.
Don’t exchange pictures or email address with people you first meet online without getting
your parents permission first.
Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say offline. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s
face, you probably shouldn’t say it online.
Don’t post comments or send a message when you are angry.
Delete messages from people you don’t know, or that seem angry or mean.
Remember that online conversations aren’t private. Others can copy, print and share your
conversations, photos, and messages.
Resource - Stop Cyber Bullying Now - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Health
Resources and Services Administration
This Information is from the Division of Criminal Justice Services
of New York State Internet Safety