|
What is a Cyberbully?
A cyberbully is someone
who uses technology to harass, embarrass, intimidate, or stalk
someone else. The methods used can include emails, instant
messaging, text messages sent via cell phones, digital photos
and all other means of electronic communications.
The cyberbully can
send:
-
angry and vulgar
argumentative messages
-
cruel, offensive,
and insulting messages
-
threats and false
promises
The cyberbully can:
-
post secrets or
embarrassing information, including pictures, for everyone
to see
-
post gossip or
rumors for the explicit purpose of damaging the person's
reputation
-
send out messages
pretending to be the victim in an attempt to damage that
person's friendships
-
alienate the victim
from online groups
Who Are Cyberbullies?
Many times, a
cyberbully is also a bully in face-to-face encounters. Bullying
over the computer is a natural extension of their destructive
behavior.
Some people who become
cyberbullies are often the victims of bullying. They may take
out their anger and frustration in cyberspace. They may be
targeting the people who bully them or they may have picked a
different target.
Still, others regard
cyberbullying as a game - nothing more than a fun thing to do.
Who Are the Victims
of Cyberbullies?
Most victims of
cyberbullies are children, but there are also many adults who
are cyberbullying victims.
Generally, cyberbullies
will know their victim, but occasionally they will pick victims
they don't know. In these situations, the cyberbully is picking
on someone based on a type of bias or prejudice. They may pick
on people based on religion, race, gender, sexual orientation,
or people who are deemed "not cool."
Other times, they will
pick on someone based on a message that he/she has posted that
the bully doesn't like.
Why Can
Cyberbullying be worse Than Physical Bullying?
Many people erroneously
assume that "words can never hurt." In cyberspace, however,
cyberbullies can strike any time, anywhere, thanks to modern
technology. As long as the victims are online, they can be
vulnerable to cyberbullying.
Many bullies pick on
people for the feeling of power that it gives them. Because the
Internet seems to give anonymity, cyberbullying is often seen to
have fewer consequences to the bullies, which can encourage them
to be more aggressive.
Another aspect of
cyberspace that can lead cyberbullies to be more vicious than
physical bullies is that cyberbulles aren't physically there
when they are harrassing their victims. This can lead to a
lessened empathy. Since the bullies cannot see how much they are
hurting the victims, they may think they have not actually hurt
them much or at all and may, therefore, continue harrassing
behavior.
Many people believe
that there are no rules in cyberspace. They feel free to do
whatever they wish. More than that, they believe they have the
RIGHT to do whatever they want in cyberspace without suffering
any consequences.
Warning Signs that
your Child may be a Victim of a Cyberbully
-
displays signs of
depression, sadness, anxiety or fear - particularly if these
signs intensify after your child uses the cell phone or
after being online
-
avoiding friends,
activities or school
-
experiences
difficulty with school or a drop in grades for no apparent
reason
-
expressing subtle
comments that indicate your child is disturbed or upset
What to do if a
Cyberbully Targets your Child
Retaliation may only
escalate the problem. If you feel the need to respond to the
cyberbully, help your child develop an appropriate response,
asking the cyberbully to stop the behavior. This may resolve
some of the problems that are occurring.
By filtering email,
instant messages and text messages, you can cut off many of the
ways the cyberbullies contact your child. By having your child
avoid the sites and groups where the attacks occur, he/she can
ignore the bully.
If the harrassment
continues, then you can change your child's email address,
Internet account, and usernames.
If a believable
physical threat is made, the police should be contacted.
If none of these steps
are successful, then you may need to take additional action, as
follows:
-
Compile a copy of
all harrassing messages and postings. Save the addresses of
Web sites where other hostile information, embarrassing
pictures or negativ emessages are posted. The more
documentation you can save the better.
-
Contact your
child's school. Even if the cyberbullying is not occurring
in school, officials might be able to assist.
-
If possible,
contact the bully's parents. In many cases, they will be
unaware of their child's behavior. Send them a registered
letter detailing the messages and asking them to make the
bullying stop. They could be held liable for financial and
emotional damages.
-
Finally, if the
situation is not resolved, contact the police.
For more information
about cyberbullying, check out these sites:
MS-ISAC:
www.msisac.org/awareness/news/2007-01.cfm
www.cyberbully.org
www.mcgruff.org/advice/cyberbullies.php
Power In You
www.powerinyou.or/?id=Mzl2
Bully Online
www.bullyonline.org/related/cyber.htm
Staying Safe Online
groups.msn.com/StayingSafeOnline/cyberbullies.msnw
National Crime
Prevention Council:
www.ncpc.org/media/cyberbulling.php
To top |
