http://cyberbullying.org/bullying- laws/mississippi Cyberbullying: When does inappropriate online behavior cross the line to cyberbullying, and what can you do about it? INFORMATION TAKEN FROM: HTTP://WWW.NETSMARTZ.ORG/CYBERBULLYING http://cyberbullying.org/resources/educ ators http://cyberbullying.org/bullying- laws/mississippi

Stacey's story

Video discussion Why did the girls start to harass and threaten Stacey online in the first place? When do you think the girls' behavior "crossed the line"? Stacey says, "People talk really big, when there's, like, miles between you." What do you think she means by this statement? In what ways might the online context make the situation worse than if the bully had harassed Stacey offline? Stacey's mom says that Stacey should call the school and report the incidents. Stacey responds that it would "just make it worse." Do you think this is true? Why or why not?

What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is just what it sounds like - bullying through Internet applications and technologies such as instant messaging (IM), social networking sites, and cell phones. It can start easily—with a rumor, a photo, or a forwarded message—and just as easily spiral out of control. An embarrassing video posted to a social networking site by someone in Kansas tonight may be watched by someone in Japan tomorrow. Cyberbullying victims may be targeted anywhere, at any time. Cyberbullying usually involves a victim, one or more bullies, and one or more bystanders. Victims of cyberbullying may react in a number of ways. Some kids and teens shrug it off; others are more severely affected. They may have low self-esteem, get bad grades, avoid going online or going to school, and change schools.

Let's talk about it: Do you think cyberbullying is a problem in your school/community? Why or why not? • How do you think people who are cyberbullied feel? • Have you ever witnessed anyone being cyberbullied? What did you do? • Have you ever made a report about cyberbullying? What happened next? Did you feel like the problem was solved? • Brainstorm some ways your school/community can fight cyberbullying.

Forms of cyberbullying Flaming and Trolling – sending or posting hostile messages intended to “inflame” the emotions of others Happy-Slapping – recording someone being harassed or bullied in a way that usually involves physical abuse, then posting the video online for public viewing Identity Theft/Impersonation – stealing someone’s password and/or hijacking their online accounts to send or post incriminating or humiliating pictures, videos, or information Photoshopping – doctoring digital images so that the main subject is placed in a compromising or embarrassing situation Physical Threats – sending messages that involve threats to a person’s physical safety Rumor Spreading – spreading gossip through e-mail, text messaging, or social networking sites

Facts about cyberbullying About one-third of online teens (ages 12-17) have been cyberbullied. Girls are more likely to be targeted. Victims may not know who the bully is, or why they are being targeted. The cyberbully can cloak his or her identity behind a computer or phone using anonymous email addresses or pseudonymous screen names. Second, the hurtful actions of a cyberbully are viral; that is, a large number of people (at school, in the neighborhood, in the city, in the world!) can be involved the victimization, or at least find out about the incident with a few keystrokes or touchscreen impressions. It seems, then, that the pool of potential victims, offenders, and witnesses/bystanders is limitless. Third, it is often easier to be cruel using technology because cyberbullying can be done from a physically distant location, and the bully doesn’t have to see the immediate response by the target. In fact, some teens simply might not recognize the serious harm they are causing because they are sheltered from the victim’s response. Finally, while parents and teachers are doing a better job supervising youth at school and at home, many adults don’t have the technological know-how (or time!) to keep track of what teens are up to online. As a result, a victim’s experiences may be missed and a bully’s actions may be left unchecked. Even if bullies are identified, many adults find themselves unprepared to adequately respond.

Signs someone is being cyberbullied Avoids the computer, cell phone, and other technological devices or appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text Withdraws from family and friends or acts reluctant to attend school and social events Avoids conversations about computer use Exhibits signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear Has declining grades Has poor eating or sleeping habits

IF you are being cyberbullied: Don’t respond. Block the bullies. Save any evidence. Report to the website. Remember you are not alone! Talk to friends and an adult you trust.

If you are thinking about being a cyberbully: • Stop! Think about how being cyberbullied would make you feel. Calm down. Try talking to a friend or trusted adult. Consider the consequences. You could get in trouble at school or with the law.

Mississippi bullying laws House Bill 552 makes impersonating someone for the purposes of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding another person (online or off) a misdemeanor (http://e- lobbyist.com/gaits/text/213626). Signed by the governor on March 11, 2011. S.B.2015; passed July 2010;http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2010/pdf/SB/2001- 2099/SB2015SG.pdf: “…bullying or harassing behavior” is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus…” S.B. 2390 (2001); “2001 Miss. Laws, S.B. 2390 – Directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of recommended conflict resolution and peer mediation programs that address responsible decision making, the causes and effects of school violence and harassment, cultural diversity, and nonviolent methods for resolving conflict, including peer mediation. Requires the board to make the list available to local school administrative units and school buildings by the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year.”

Don’t just stand there, Do something! Don’t share or like cyberbullying comments or images. Support the victim. For example, send or post a kind message. Report cyberbullying.

People v. Dixon Explain the situation, how does cyberbullying come into play? What does the defendant say happened through the Internet/social media sites?