What is Cyber-Bullying? Cyber-Bullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. Social Networks Instant Messages Websites Chat Rooms Cell phones

Why bully online? CyberBullying: Why bully online? Increased electronic communications devices Perceived anonymity of the Internet Not viewed as traditional crimes The Internet has become a popular means of communicating especially among teens Form of entertainment Accidental

Nearly 42% of kids have been bullied online and almost one in four have had it happen more than once. Among this percentage, being ignored and disrespected were the most common forms of cyber bullying. Nine out of ten middle school students have had their feelings hurt online. About 75% have visited a Web site bashing another student. Four out of ten middle school students have had their password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their own account or sent communications posing as them. About 21% of kids have received mean or threatening s. The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyber bullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyber bullying there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is available all the time. The primary cyber bullying location where victimizing occurs, at 56%, is in chat rooms. Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.

How Are Teens Cyberbullied? Being a victim of cyberbullying can be a common and painful experience. Some youth who cyberbully Pretend they are other people online to trick others Spread lies and rumors about victims Trick people into revealing personal information Send or forward mean text messages Post pictures of victims without their consent When teens were asked why they think others cyberbully, 81 percent said that cyberbullies think it’s funny. Other teens believe that youth who cyberbully Don’t think it’s a big deal Don’t think about the consequences Are encouraged by friends Think everybody cyberbullies Think they won’t get caught

Signs of Cyberbullying Many kids and teens who are cyberbullied are reluctant to tell a teacher or parent, often because they feel ashamed of the social stigma, or because they fear their computer privileges will be taken away at home. The signs that a child is being cyberbullied vary, but a few things to look for are: signs of emotional distress during or after using the Internet or the phone being very protective or secretive of their digital life withdrawal from friends and activities avoidance of school or group gatherings slipping grades and "acting out" in anger at home changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite

How Can I Prevent Cyberbullying? Teens have figured out ways to prevent cyberbullying. Follow in the footsteps of other quick-thinking teens and Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages Tell friends to stop cyberbullying Block communication with cyberbullies Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult You can also help prevent cyberbullying by Speaking with other students, as well as teachers and school administrators, to develop rules against cyberbullying Don’t forget that even though you can’t see a cyberbully or the bully’s victim, cyberbullying causes real problems. If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. Delete cyberbullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it.

What Else Can I Do To Stay Cyber-safe? Remember that the Internet is accessed by millions of people all over the world, not just your friends and family. While many Internet users are friendly, some may want to hurt you. Below are some ways to stay cyber-safe: Never post or share your personal information online (this includes your full name, address, telephone number, school name, parents’ names, credit card number, or Social Security number) or your friends’ personal information. Never share your Internet passwords with anyone, except your parents. Never meet anyone face-to-face whom you only know online. Talk to your parents about what you do online.

How Parents Can Help Block the bully. Most devices have settings that allow you to electronically block s, IMs, or text messages from specific people. Limit access to technology. Although it's hurtful, many kids who are bullied can't resist the temptation to check websites or phones to see if there are new messages. Keep the computer in a public place in the house (no laptops in children's bedrooms, for example) and limit the use of cell phones and games. Some companies allow you to turn off text messaging services during certain hours. And, most websites and phones provide the option for parental controls, which provide parents with access to their children’s messages and online life. Know your kids' online world. Check their postings and the sites kids visit, and be aware of how they spend their time online. Talk to them about the importance of privacy and why it's a bad idea to share personal information online, even with friends. Encourage them to safeguard passwords. Write up cell phone and social media contracts that you are willing to enforce. Look to the web for resource and support information about cyberbullying. If your son or daughter agrees, you may also arrange for mediation with a therapist or counselor at school who can work with your child and/or the bully.

CyberBullying: Safety Tips Never respond to a bullying or IM. It's always better to just ignore. Save IMs or s, then print and show them to an adult you trust, like a parent or school counselor. Don't be afraid to talk to someone about this. The sooner you tell a parent or counselor, the sooner you can get back to using your computer without feeling afraid or uncomfortable. If it continues or if any physical threats are made, report it to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They can cancel the cyberbully's account and even alert the police. Think carefully about what you say online. Make sure it's not going to hurt or scare someone.