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Cyberbullying

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online on digital devices such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can happen on SMS, text, applications, or online on social media, forums, or gaming platforms where people can view, comment, or share media. Cyberbullying can include sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can cross the line of unlawful or criminal behavior (Cyberbullying, n.d.). 

Forms of Cyberbullying

  • Offensive name-calling

  • Spreading of false rumors about them

  • Receiving explicit images they didn’t ask for

  • Cyber harassment involving “constantly being asked where they are, what they’re doing, or who they’re with by someone other than a parent”

  • Physical threats

  • Having explicit images of them shared without their consent (Vogels, 2022).

  • Creating fake accounts in your name and pretending to be you online or on social media sites (Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying I JED, n.d.).

  • Setting up hate sites or groups about a particular child (Helping Children Deal with Bullying & Cyberbullying | NSPCC, n.d.).

  • Pressuring children into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual conversations (Helping Children Deal with Bullying & Cyberbullying | NSPCC, n.d.).

  • Trolling: sending of mean or unkind messages (including commenting on someone’s physical appearance) on social networks, chat rooms or online games (Helping Children Deal with Bullying & Cyberbullying | NSPCC, n.d.).

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Statistics 

  • Almost half of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 (46%) report that they have experienced at least one of the six cyberbullying behaviors (Offensive name-calling, spreading of false rumors about them, receiving explicit images they didn’t ask for, cyber harassment, physical threats, and having explicit images of them shared without their consent) reported by the Pew Research Center.

  • The most common reported behavior was name-calling, with 32% of teens saying they had been called an offensive name online. Some also say they have had false rumors spread about them online (22%) or have been sent explicit images that they did not ask for (17%).

  • 28% of teens have experienced multiple types of cyberbullying.

  • 15% of teens think they were cyberbullied due to their physical appearance.

  • Teens who are online more throughout the day are more likely to experience cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse.

  • The majority of teens (53%) consider online harassment and cyberbullying a major problem for their age groups.

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(Vogels, 2022)

How to Notice Signs if Someone is Being Cyberbullied  

  • Overall mood:

    • Are they showing more signs of aggressive behavior? Are they more withdrawn, nervous, or distressed with no obvious trigger?

  • Energy level:

    • Are they expressing low energy in things that normally they would express high energy in?

  • Sleep:

    • Are they getting less sleep? More Sleep?

  • Food habits:

    • Are they eating more? Less?

  • School:

    • Are they showing up to school less or skipping school? Are they losing focus in class? Are their grades slipping? Showing less interest in classes? Not handing homework in?

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(Cyberbullying (for Teens), n.d.; Helping Children Deal with Bullying & Cyberbullying | NSPCC, n.d.)

Are You Being Cyberbullied?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may be experiencing a form of cyberbullying.

  • Do the messages I am receiving make me feel upset or uncomfortable?

  • Has online stress caused me to increase or decrease my use of technology?

  • Am I hiding my messages or screen from friends or family because I’m embarrassed or ashamed of the messages I’m getting or the people I’m interacting with?

  • Do I avoid social interactions in person because of something upsetting happening to me online?

  • Am I withdrawing from friends and family or losing interest in activities I love due to comments made about me online?

  • Do I feel excluded? Is there a text or DM group I am intentionally not a part of?

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(Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying I JED, n.d.)

Practical Guidance

Talk to someone:

  • When going through cyberbullying, it is important that you find support from friends, family, or people you can trust. If you are a teenager who has experienced cyberbullying, you might want to consider talking to a parent or teacher that you feel you can trust. If cyberbullying is occurring in school or involving people who attend your school, a teacher should be able to help you resolve the issue effectively. Schools may dismiss bullies from sports teams or suspend them from school. Some types of cyberbullying may violate school codes or even break anti-discrimination or sexual harassment laws. 

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Do not engage or respond:

  • When people are cyberbullying others, they may be doing it for a reaction. If you choose not to respond, they may eventually become bored and move on.

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Privacy controls:

  • You can delete posts on your profile or hide them from specific people. If the bullying is happening on a social platform, consider blocking the bully and formally reporting their behaviour on the platform itself. On most social media platforms, people aren't notified when you block, restrict, or report them. Social media companies are obligated to keep their users safe (Cyberbullying, n.d.).

 

Reporting:

  • To stop bullying, it needs to be identified and reported. It shows the bully that their behaviour is unacceptable. It is also helpful to collect evidence, text messages, and screenshots of social media posts (Cyberbullying, n.d.).

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How to report cyberbullying on specific apps:

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Assess the threat:

  • If a cyberbully is sending you messages threatening you or making you feel unsafe, you should contact law enforcement. They will be able to help you with your immediate safety and give you advice on what to do moving forward. It's important to remember that law enforcement is only there for emergencies, and you should only be contacting them if you are in immediate danger or believe your personal safety is at risk.

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(Cyberbullying, n.d.; Practical Advice for Cyberbullying, n.d.)

Practical Guidance if Someone you Know is being Bullied

When you see bullying, there are safe things you can do to make it stop.

  • Talk to a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust.

  • Be kind to the person being bullied. Show them that you care by trying to include them. Sit with them at lunch or on the bus, talk to them at school, or invite them join an activity, so that they know they are not alone. 

  • Not saying anything could make it worse for everyone. The person who is bullying will think it is okay to keep treating others that way if nothing is done to resolve the situation. 

Sources

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