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Cyber bullying is the act of deliberately upsetting someone using digital technology, for example, on the internet or with a mobile phone.
Some examples of cyber bullying include:
- Threats sent or published online
- Negative comments sent using texting, IM or email
- Rumours posted on chat rooms or spread using texting
- Fake profiles that spread malicious or false information
- Hacking into another user’s profile and pretending to be them
- Creating a website or blog designed to deliberately embarrass someone
- Outing someone (drawing attention to their sexuality) with the intention of humiliating them
- Forwarding private messages that contain sensitive information
- Uploading or distributing photos or videos containing explicit or embarrassing images
Is cyber bullying wrong?
Yes, and it can be illegal.
If you’re being cyber bullied you should treat it seriously and respond in the right way. Read on!
So what should you do?
There are a few basic and sensible things that you can do if you're the victim of cyber bullying:
- Let someone know - tell an adult (parent or teacher) you trust or contact a support service such as Kids Help Line (new window) or Cybersmart (new window)
- Report it to the police - if you are receiving threatening messages and feel in danger, you should call 000 and report it to the police
- Don’t retaliate or reply - this can lead to a flame war and only encourages further bullying
- Block or report the bully - learn how to block or report aggressive users (most websites offer this service); Tom Wood’s blog (new window) explains how to do this for different sites (MySpace, Facebook, Bebo etc.)
- Protect your private info - only give your mobile phone number, email address and website details to people you can trust
- Save the evidence - learn how to keep records of offending online conversations, messages and images
- Change your details - sometimes it’s best to start again; create new accounts for all your online communications and request a new mobile phone number from your service provider; once you’re sorted, keep it secret!
Links relating to cyber bullying
The Wood Verdict
Tom Wood’s blog on cyber bullying is based on first-hand experience. Check out his Complete Guide to Stopping Cyber Bullying entry.
Cybersmart
Information on cyber bullying for parents and teachers, as well as young people.
Bullying. No way!
An informative site put together by Australian school communities.
Kids Help Line
Kids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling service for young people.
Reach Out
Informative page on cyber bullying aimed at a youth audience.
