Cyberbullying

What is Cyberbullying ?
Cyberbullying is when one person or a group of people aim to threaten, tease or embarrass someone else by using a mobile phone, the internet or other technologies.

Types of Cyberbullying :

Email:
Sending threatening or upsetting emails. Emails can be sent to a group of people and also the victim. This can encourage others to be a part of the bullying and join in.

Instant messengers and chatrooms:
Sending threatening or upsetting messages through instant messengers and chatrooms such as; msn messenger and facebook to friends and direct to a victim. Those who join or are added to a conversation and begin to add messages are also involved in the bullying.

Social Networking Sites:
Setting up pages and profiles on Social Networking Sites such as; Bebo, Myspace & Facebook to make fun of someone. By viewing these pages and adding comments to them you are adding to the problem and the bullying.

Mobile Phones:
Sending humiliating and abusive text, video and picture messages to someone. Phone calls are also a part of this. The use of anonymous text messages using Bluetooth and the sharing of physical attacks such as happy slapping on video are also included.

Abusing Personal Information:
Many cyberbullying victims have complained that they been shown or seen abusedphotos of themselves on emails or blogs without their permission.

The effects of Cyberbullying :

Even though Cyberbullying cannot physically hurt you, it can still leave you feeling very upset and vulnerable. Escaping Cyberbullying can be very hard because anyone can get access to a mobile phone or the internet. Even in the safety of your own home it can be very difficult to avoid it.

Putting a stop to Cyberbullying :
You can be dragged into cyberbullying without realising it so make sure that you don't become part of the problem by adding abusive comments to online blogs or websites. Think how it would make you feel if it was aimed at you, a friend, or a family member.

What can you do about it ?

If someone is using a false name or email it can still be traced and banned by social networks and email providers if they're found to be bullying others.

If you do notice that bullying is taking place on a social network, instant messenger or chatroom then it can be reported to the service provider. It should be highlighted somewhere on the page making it easy to do.

If you notice bullying happening on a mobile phone then contact your provider and change your number.

If you see or experience any form cyberbullying that is using racism, homophobia or violent threats then tell your parents, a teacher or the police.

* Talk to someone you trust about it like a teacher, parent or close friend.
* Keep and save any bullying emails, text messages or pictures you recieve.
* Make a note of any deatils that you have of any images or messages sent.
* Change you mobile number.
* Don't be afraid to report them to a service provider.
* Block instant messages from certain people or use filters.
* Don't reply to threatening or bullying text messages or emails - just keep them.

Staying safe online:
If you're using the internet, you should never give out your personal details. If you're in a chatroom, watch what you say about where you live, the school you go to and your email address.The best thing to do is make an email address that isn't relevant or related to your name in anyway if you are using it for instant messaging or chatrooms or just in general.

Registered Charity No: 1127918