2. What is Cyber-bullying?
Cyber-bullying, by definition, is
when a child, preteen or teen is
ridiculed, threatened, harassed,
embarrassed, or targeted in some
way with the use of technology
(phone, internet, other digital
device).
Both the victim and instigator must
be a child, preteen or teen. Once an
adult becomes involved, it is
referred to as cyber-harassment or
cyber-stalking, which are crimes
that can lead to jail time and other
legal consequences.
It is not considered cyber-bullying
when adults try to lure children into
offline meetings. This is considered
sexual exploitation or luring by a
sexual predator.
3. What is Cyber-bullying?
In a 2006 poll by the National
Organization Fight Crime, 1/3 teens
and 1/6 preteens are victims of
cyber-bullying. The incident of
cyber-bullying increases with more
access to technology.
Sometimes, it is easy to identify
cyber-bullying through cruel texts,
tweets, or status updates. However,
other times it is less obvious. Bullies
will post information with the
intention to hurt or embarrass
others. Some bullies will establish
fake accounts with the goal to harass
or bully.
Others may cyber-bully without
even realizing it. For example, a
victim may misunderstand the tone
of a message intended by the
sender.
4. Two Kinds of Cyber-bullying
Direct Attacks Cyber-bullying by proxy
Bullies send messages directly The bully uses others to help
to the victim. cyber-bully the victim. Their
accomplice may or may not
know they are siding with the
bully.
For example, the cyber-bully
may pretend to be the victim
by making a new account, or
hacking the victim’s account,
and posting images or text
online.
5. Effects of Cyber-Bullying
With all the technology available, cyber-
bullying can occur 24 hours a day. More
access to phones, computers, or other
devices can increase the risk. Victims of
cyber-bullying should keep in mind that
many bully only to boost their self-esteem
or maintain their ego, not because there is
something “wrong” with the victim.
Chronic cyber-bullying can increase
anxiety, depression, and other stress-
related disorders. It rarely, but can, lead to
suicide.
Punishment can include suspension from
school or sports teams. However, when
schools get involved, they are often sued
for violating the students’ right to free
speech.
Cyber-bullying can also lead to a
misdemeanor cyber-bullying charge. If a
bully is young enough, they will be cited
for juvenile delinquency.
6. Signs of Cyber-Bullying
Many who experience cyber-bullying are reluctant to seek help because they
feel ashamed, or they do not want to lose access to technology.
Victims may experience emotional distress after using digital devices or
become withdrawn from their friends or activities. They may avoid going to
school, and their grades may slip. Victims may experience changes in their
mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite. Being secretive of their digital life and
acting out in anger at home are additional signs of cyber-bullying.
7. What Can You Do to Stop Cyber-Bullying?
Parents should talk to their children and
explain to them that it is not his/her fault.
They should also discuss the importance
of privacy. Explain to your child that they
should not share personal information or
passwords. Before parents report the
problem to the school, they should let
their child know. Parents can set up
parental controls to monitor the messages
their child is receiving. Parents can also
utilize therapy to help their child.
Children should save degrading messages
and print hard copies to show to a parent/
trusted adult. They should prevent
fighting back to cyber-bullying, since
many bully just to elicit a reaction from
the victim.
However, there is no one size fits all
approach to help minimize cyber-bullying.
Like every cyber-bullying incident differs,
the response to bullying should also differ.
8. What Children Can Do
to Stop Cyber-Bullying
The child can block the
bully or choose to
delete/ignore the
messages sent to them.
The child can report the
problem or abuse to the
online service provider.
9. Children Aren’t the Only Ones Who are Bullied
In August, 2011 an article was
published that describes a
meeting of 800 delegates for the
Elementary Teachers’ Federation
of Ontario to discuss school
policies. They wanted to
establish clear policies about
publishing unauthorized digital
recordings and photos of
teachers online. There were
instances where students were
instigating the teachers, then
recording and posting videos of
their angry-responses online
without their consent.
As we can see, children are not
the only ones who experience
bullying.
10. If You Know/Are a Bully…
If you are a parent of a bully, you
should talk firmly about the
negative impacts of bullying, and
discuss with your child how it is
unacceptable and DOES have
consequences. A parent can restrict
the use of digital devices to prevent
cyber-bullying.
To help your child cope with anger,
sadness, or frustration, you may set
up counseling or therapy for them.
It is always a good idea to model
good online habits.
If you know someone is being
bullied, stick up for them.
To prevent becoming a bully
yourself, if something online angers
you, wait to calm down before you
post anything.
11. How I (as a teacher) Would Prevent Cyber-Bullying
As a future educator, I would prevent
cyber-bullying by discussing with
students the negative impacts of
bullying.
I would explain to my students how
nearly everyone has experienced
bullying in some way. Even bullies are
often bullied. Kids often change roles
between the “victim” and “bully.”
I would have volunteers share their
experiences of being bullied, so others
can see the detrimental effects bullying
can have on an individual.
I would print off guidelines to help
students prevent becoming a bully
themselves.
I would encourage my students to come
to me for advice if they are experiencing
cyber-bullying.
