Cyberbullying: What is It?
Sending or posting annoying, threatening, insulting or hurtful communications through technologies. It could be words, drawings, videos, or photographs. It could be through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social networks, cellphone calls or text messages, or even through Xbox live. Because students aren't face to face, they can hide behind their computers and say things they wouldn't say in person. Cyberbullying is the newest form of bullying. It is a danger of the computer age.
A few statistics
Cyberbullying isn't always reported. Statistics vary, but cyberbullying is happening more frequently as smartphones and social networks become more commonly used by younger students. Also, students spend more time on computers than ever before. One statistic showed that teens spend an average of 6 1/2 hours per day online! Another study reported that 1/3 of all school kids say they have been cyberbullied. In Mrs. Hurley's health classes, the majority of the students said they have been involved in a cyberbullying situation, as the victim, witness, or even as the cyberbully. 7th to 9th grade are the most common for cyberbullying. 54% of parents haven't talked to their kids about cyberbullying. Most of the time children cyberbully other children, but adults have done it too.
How it affects people
When you are cyberbullied, you may feel: hurt, scared, uncomfortable, bad about yourself, unprotected, self-conscious, angry, degraded, devastated, mad, hated, harassed, frustrated, annoyed, vulnerable, helpless, isolated, crushed, depressed, suicidal, defeated.
How to prevent cyberbullying
For Parents:
- Limit student time online.
- Monitor student social network activity (most have a minimum age limit of 13).
- Talk to your student about cyberbullying.
- Take away electronic devices at bedtime.
For Students:
- Be careful who you friend on social networks.
- Be careful what you add on your profile—photos, videos, and words can be turned around and used against you.
- If you know someone who is cyberbullying, don’t be part of it—stand up to the bully and tell a trusted adult.
- Be careful what you say to others—don’t say things you don’t mean.
What to do if it happens to you
- Get help! Tell a trusted adult, or call authorities
- Avoid using the technology until this is resolved
- Save copies of the messages or screenshots as proof
- Don't respond to the cyberbully or get into a fight with them
- Block the bully to prevent more attacks
Parents, talk to your children about Internet safety. Here are some resources to help:
