Cyberbullying

We have all seen bullying in real life.  But bullying can happen online, too.  Electronic or cyberbullying is when harm is inflicted through electronic media (e.g., text messages, cell phone pictures & videos, email, chat rooms, etc.) to threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude, or damage reputations and friendships.

Best Practices

• Tell them to stop. Don’t remain silent.
• Don’t encourage it.  Be an upstander, and even if you can't stop it, don’t support it or join in.
• Stay Safe.  Watch what you share and with whom.  Stay up to date with privacy settings and restrict access to your contact information.
• Work together to spread positivity and caring to others.  If you see someone being cyberbullied, send them an encouraging text or snap or take them aside and be kind.  Work together to stop these behaviors.
• Talk to a trusted adult.  Find a parent, teacher, counselor, or coach you can reach out to for help.
• Report to sites/apps/games.  If this behavior is occurs on Snapchat or an online game like Overwatch, report it.
• Collect evidence.  Take screenshots, save images or messages, or screen record what you see.  It is easier to report to others with actual evidence.
• Don’t lash out.  Cyberbullying can be upsetting.  But don’t lash out when your emotions are running high.  Don’t escalate or threaten others.
• Report to school.  If someone from your school is cyberbullying you, report it to the school system.  If they have an anonymous reporting system, use it if it makes you more comfortable.
• Don’t get involved in sexting or sending inappropriate pictures or videos to others.  These things live forever online, and you may not always be the other person's significant other.
• Don’t accept friend requests from strangers.  Fake accounts are easy to create.
• Be skeptical of online interactions.  If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are.  Watch your communication with others, including sharing contact information, your location, etc.

External Links

Stop Bullying – Cyberbullying  

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)  

Office on Violence Against Women  

Teens Against Bullying