CYBERBULLYING The internet has created a new world for people from alla parts of the world to meet, connect and exchange information Unfortunately, it has also created another opportunity for bullying. People can use the internet to send embarrassing, hurtful and threatening messages. These actions can inflict serious harm on the kids and adults they victimize.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO BULLY ON THE INTERNET Sending mails or instant messages containing insults or threats directly to a person. Buildning whole websites, often with password protection, to target specific students or teachers Posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone without their permission Stealing passwords and sending out threatening s or Instant messages using an assumed identity Moderators or people with a high reputation or status on forums, can also bully by abusing their powers and thereby attracting a large crowd of followers since they have a high reputation and the rest of the forum members want to keep in with the moderator or simply because they’re afraid that they could be targeted next if they don’t submit to the bullying

Cyberbullying has begun to increase in Sweden lately Reasons: Basically everyone has access to a smartphone or computer these days It’s easier to insult someone on the internet since; 1. Some people don’t have the guts to do it in real life 2. You can get away with it easier since you’re anonymous and people don’t know your true identity in some sites. 3. Security; A computerscreen can’t hit you, so for verbal bullies this is the perfect alternative

SWEDISH CASE OF CYBERBULLYING Stina Johansson The bullying began when she started highshool Her classmates started taunting her, she told her teacher which led to her classmatess calling her a ”snitch”. As a reslut of not being able to bully her in school where the teachers kept an eye on the situation, the classmates continued the bullying online instead

Her tormentors started writing spiteful comments about her on Facebook As soon as someone wrote something mean, the rest of her classmates clicked on the ”like this” button They threatened her not to tell anyone Eventually, her classmates started a ”We hate Stina Johansson” group on facebook Her parents reported the facebook group on the site, but nothing happened. They finally reported it to the police. Still, nothing happened. When Aftonbladet (the newspaper that interviewed Stina) contacted Facebooks representative in Sweden, Jan Fredriksson, the group was closed.

AMANDA TODD She posted a video on youtube about a week before she killed herself where she used a series of flash cards to tell of her experiences being bullied-the video has received over 1,600, 000 views The case of the fifteen year old who comitted suicide has received considerable media attention around the world This american teenager killed herself as a reslut of cyberbullying To make a long story short; Todd used to webcam with complete strangers on the internet. One day she decides to show her private parts on the web cam, which leads to the video circulating on the internet a week after the incident. She experienced anxiety, panic disorders and depression because of this. Family moved to another city She created a FB page where she used the topless photo as her profile page

Her new classmates started teasing her as a result She began meeting an old guyg friend on the internet. One thing led to another and before she knew it the friend’s girlfriend attacked her outside school along with her friends. They shouted insults and pushed her to the ground. Todd tried comitting suicide by drinking bleach When she returned home from the hospital she received abusive messages about her failed suicide attempt on Facebook Her family moved again She started to engage in self-mutilation On the 10 October 2012 she was found hanged in her room To this day, she’s still receiving hateful messages on her facebook page

5 WAYS TO PREVENT CYBERBULLYING -If you’re being bullied on a site or receives hateful messages virtually, don’t answer them!!! Simply resist the urge to respond -Tell a teacher or a parent -Never post personal information (adress, phone number, the name of your sports team, et cetera) - Don’t be gullible (you can never be sure who you are communicating with on the internet) -Save the messages that the cyberbully sent you. Saved messages equals evidence, evidence equals an end of bullying. The police, website or internet service provider will be able to use these messages to block an account or bring criminal charges if necessary.