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Dealing with Cyberbullies
Bullies are now taking advantage of technology to intimidate and
harass their victims. Dealing with cyberbullying can be difficult, but
there are steps you can take.
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What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying refers to the new, and growing, practice of using
technology to harass, or bully, someone else. Bullies used to be
restricted to methods such as physical intimidation, postal mail, or
the telephone. Now, developments in electronic media offer forums such
as email, instant messaging, web pages, and digital photos to add to
the arsenal. Computers, cell phones, and PDAs are new tools that can
be applied to an old practice.
Forms of cyberbullying can range in severity from cruel or
embarrassing rumors to threats, harassment, or stalking. It can affect
any age group; however, teenagers and young adults are common victims,
and cyberbullying is a growing problem in schools.
Why has cyberbullying become such a problem?
The relative anonymity of the internet is appealing for bullies
because it enhances the intimidation and makes tracing the activity
more difficult. Some bullies also find it easier to be more vicious
because there is no personal contact. Unfortunately, the internet and
email can also increase the visibility of the activity. Information or
pictures posted online or forwarded in mass emails can reach a larger
audience faster than more traditional methods, causing more damage to
the victims. And because of the amount of personal information
available online, bullies may be able to arbitrarily choose their
victims.
Cyberbullying may also indicate a tendency toward more serious
behavior. While bullying has always been an unfortunate reality, most
bullies grow out of it. Cyberbullying has not existed long enough to
have solid research, but there is evidence that it may be an early
warning for more violent behavior.
How can you protect yourself?
- Be careful where you post personal information - By
limiting the number of people who have access to your contact
information or details about your interests, habits, or employment,
you reduce your exposure to bullies that you do not know. This may
limit your risk of becoming a victim and may make it easier to
identify the bully if you are victimized.
- Avoid escalating the situation - Responding with
hostility is likely to provoke a bully and escalate the
situation. Depending on the circumstances, consider ignoring the
issue. Often, bullies thrive on the reaction of their victims. Other
options include subtle actions. For example, if you are receiving
unwanted email messages, consider changing your email address. If the
bully does not have access to the new address, the problem may
stop. If you continue to get messages at your new account, you may
have a stronger case for legal action.
- Document the activity - Keep a record of any online
activity (emails, web pages, instant messages, etc.), including
relevant dates and times. In addition to archiving an electronic
version, consider printing a copy.
- Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities - If
you are being harassed or threatened, report the activity to the local
authorities. Law enforcement agencies have different policies, but
your local police department or FBI branch are good starting
points. Unfortunately, there is a distinction between free speech and
punishable offenses, but the legal implications should be decided by
the law enforcement officials and the prosecutors. Depending on the
activity, it may also be appropriate to report it to school officials
who may have separate policies for dealing with activity that involves
students.
Protect your children by teaching them good online habits (see Keeping Children
Safe Online for more information). Keep lines of communication
open with your children so that they feel comfortable telling you if
they are being victimized online. Reduce their risk of becoming
cyberbullies by setting guidelines for and monitoring their use of the
internet and other electronic media (cell phones, PDAs, etc.).
Author: Mindi McDowell
Produced 2006 by US-CERT, a government organization. Terms of use
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Last
updated
February 13, 2008
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