Cyberbullying

Defined – Kentucky Law KRS 525.080  Harassing Communications 1. A person is guilty of Harassing Communications when, with the intent to intimidate, harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she: a) Communicates with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telegraph, mail, or any other form of written communication in a manner which causes annoyance or alarm and serves no purpose of legitimate communication. b) Makes a telephone call, whether or not communication ensues, with no purpose of legitimate communication; or c) Communicates, while enrolled as a student in a local school district, with or about another school student, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, the Internet, telegraph, mail, or any other form of electronic or written communication in a manner which a reasonable person under the circumstances should know would cause the other student to suffer fear of physical harm, intimidation, humiliation, or embarrassment and which serves no purpose of legitimate communication. 2. Harassing Communications is a Class B Misdemeanor. 

Defined – Here’s Another When one student targets another on-line: Mean, vulgar or threatening email Forwarding a private communication to others Humiliating text sent over a cell phone Web site mocking others Posting embarrassing photos or video Impersonating someone else to spread rumors Intentionally excluding someone from an online group Posting sensitive, private information about another person Source: https://kycss.org/cyberbullying.html

Why is it important to know? In this recent study, 1 in 5 students reported being cyberbullied at least once before age 18.

Why do Teens do it? Some reasons include: To gain a feeling of power over someone else To increase their own social status To get back at someone else To get a laugh or attention from peers To relieve boredom Harrassing someone via technology allows the bully to hide from their victim’s pained reaction. This allows people do and say things using technology they would never do or say in person since they don’t have to face immediate feelings of guilt.

Could You Be contributing to the Problem? Have you ever sent a scathing e-mail in the heat of the moment? Have you ever said something to someone online you would never say to their face? All of us have probably done it at some point, but be careful! These could be considered harassment. Take a look at this list: Stop Cyberbullying.org - Are You a Cyberbully? Have you ever done or experienced some of these things? Do you consider them forms of cyberbullying? Anything you might add or remove?

How you can avoid being a Target Don’t give out your passwords to anyone Be careful about posting personal information such as name, address and cell numbers Delete messages from people you don’t know Think before posting embarrassing photos or videos of yourself that could be used against you When something doesn’t sound right, leave the chat room Assume no digital communication is private

What Should You Do if you have been targeted? 1. Do not respond – Log off the computer Just like in person, most bullies want to see you get upset. If you don’t give them what they want, most will move on for another target. 2. If it continues – Send a clear message “Please do not contact me again.” Save their messages as proof if you can. 3. Block them Unfriend them, Protect your Tweets, Flag them, Report them to the service provider or Game Admin, contact their phone provider

What if it gets Worse? If the harassment involves increased levels of fear, intimidation and threats of physical harm it is then called cyberstalking. Tell an adult. Call the Police! Do not shut your computer down or log off until the officer sees the communications. If the harassment involves sexual solicitation or exploitation of a minor, you can also report it to the CyberTipline.

Resources www.cyberbullying.us www.isafe.org www.stopcyberbullying.org https://kycss.org/cyberbullying.html