Cyber bullying
cyber; bully; bullying; mobile; phone; internet; harassment;
Contents
Cyber bullying is a more sophisticated form of the bullying that takes place in schools, playgrounds, worksites and wherever there are groups of people. It is done with the intention of harming another person.
Unlike the regular kind of bullying, cyber bullying is not face to face and it can follow a person into places which are usually safe – such as in their own home. It may even be being perpetrated by a bully who doesn't actually know the victim, and it can be very hard to trace back to the bully as the real name may not be used.
Cyber bullying uses the Internet, mobile phones or other electronic communication systems to send or post text or images in order to hurt or embarrass someone.
So, what does it look like? Some of the things that cyber bullies do are;
- Teasing and making fun of someone.
- Spreading false rumours online.
- Sending unwanted messages.
- Sending the same negative message over and over again.
- Defamation – saying bad things about someone.
- Taking embarrassing photos and passing them on without the person's permission.
Cyber bullying may involve occasional messages, but it can also be frequently repeated, highly disturbing messages.
The targeted person often feels powerless and may not know how to stop it or who it is coming from
Getting up to speed on technologies
Mobile phones can be used to:
- Send instant messages, (IM), to an individual or group on a contact or buddy list.
- Write and send short text messages (SMS) to an individual or group.
- Send text or photos (text and digital image messaging) from one mobile to another or several others.
Computers can be used in several ways;
- Email to send messages, pictures, videos and other information such as the Internet address (URL) for websites or webpages.
- Personal web sites - anyone can set up a personal website and post text, pictures, drawings or video clips on it. Some include a section where others can comment.
- Blogs (weblogs) are interactive personal online diaries or journals which others can read.
- Social networking sites are websites that have a variety of features like profiles of people, personal websites you can visit, blogs, discussion groups/boards, chat rooms, gaming and messaging.
- Chat sites or 'chat rooms' on a site allow users to talk with one or a group at the same time.
- Gaming is about playing interactive games against the computer or another player.
Prevention
It is best if young people can prevent cyber bullying happening.
Guard contact information
- Only give your cell phone number, instant messaging name or e-mail address to trusted friends, and keep a note of who you've given it to.
- Consider using caller ID blocking to hide your phone number when making calls.
- Similarly, don't leave your name on your voicemail.
- Don't give your details to people you don't know – or don't want to know!
Take a stand against cyber bullying
- Speak out whenever you see someone being mean to another person by phone or online.
What parents can do
- Get involved by learning all that you can about the information and communication technologies that your child is using. She will probably rather enjoy 'being the teacher' and showing off her skills.
- Discuss the issue of safety with your child. Reassure your child that you are there if they need help.
- Watch out for signs that your child is being bullied online. Maybe she doesn't want to use the phone or computer, or maybe she tries to get out of going to school or is not using her mobile.
- Talk to your child about using the phone and internet responsibly. Eg, that they shouldn't send any messages or post anything on a website that could embarrass, harass or upset others. She or he might ask themselves the question,” How would I feel if someone doing this to me?”
- Work out the rules with your child for the use of technology in your family and the consequences for not sticking to them.
- Report bullying to the school if that is where you suspect the bullying is coming from.
- Report any online harassment to your internet service provider (ISP) – they are likely to have ideas about what can be done.
- If serious threats are being made then the matter may be reported to police. Your local police station will tell you about this.
- Report the problem to your phone service provider if the mobile phone is the instrument used to bully. They also will have ideas about what could be done to lower the risk of bullying by phone.
- If you think your child may be bullying someone else you could check the phone account to see where the calls are going.
- You might check your child's phone messages, in and out boxes, if you suspect bullying is taking place – but you need to consider your child's rights to privacy too – and this can be difficult to balance.
Young people often respond better to criticism from their peers than to disapproval from adults, but you can still have a strong role in protecting young people from cyber bullying.
Resources
- Bullying - No way
An Australian site created by and for Australian school communities.
Advice for parents, schools and students about all forms of bullying
http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au
- NetAlert: Protecting Australian Families Online
A family focused website provided by the Australian Government. NetAlert includes advice for parents and others, assists with internet safety and helps users locate family friendly ISPs and Internet filters.
http://www.netalert.gov.au/home.html
- ACMA: Kids Safe Online
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website, another Australian Government initiative, provides consumer and community advice in the areas of broadcasting, the internet, telecommunications, and radiofrequency spectrum. ACMA provides a useful series of 'staysmartonline' links to NetAlert topics such as chatting online and predatory behaviour.
http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/kids_safe_online
- ACMA: Cybersmart Online
A user friendly site for children and parents to find out how to be cyber smart and safe.
http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/
- Click: A Technology Guide for Parents (2008)
This NSW Government Information Communications Technology (ICT) Guide for parents has been developed to help parents protect their children at home or when they are out with friends. It provides comprehensive information including cyber bullying and will be regularly updated with new developments in the ICT industry and in our schools.
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/schoolsweb/...
- Cyber bullying, e-crime and the protection of children
A pamphlet for parents and caregivers that includes advice about what to do if your child is feeling unsafe following online or mobile phone communications, or exposure to offensive internet sites. From SA's Department of Education and Children's Services
http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/docs/documents/1/CyberBullying...
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.