Cyber-bullying and Internet Safety

What is Bullying?  Intentionally causing harm to others  Verbal harassment  Physical assault  Exclusion from a group  Spreading rumors

Types of Bullies  Bully  The main instigator of the bullying action  Accomplice  Someone who supports a bully  Bystander  Someone who observes bullying

Cyber-bullying  Cyber-bullying is bullying using technology  Prank calling  Sending nasty text messages  Posting embarrassing pictures  Posting on hate sites  Forwarding offensive s Talent Show – an Anti Cyber-Bullying Commercial

Bullying vs. Cyber-bullying  The bully says something nasty and it's only heard when he or she says it  Cyber-bullying may be accessed forever.  The bully is known to the target  The cyber-bully can stay anonymous  Bullying is face to face  The cyber-bully is never in the presence of target

Bullying vs. Cyber-bullying  Bullying happens during certain hours of the day  Cyber-bullying can be 24 hours/7 days a week  The bully is usually physically stronger  Physical strength is not required for cyber-bullies

  Sending threatening s or intimidating someone  Social Networking Sites:  Posting hurtful comments on someone's profile  Chat / IM:  Saying nasty things in chat and instant messaging  Gaming:  Ganging up on another player or excluding them Cyber-bullying across Devices and Services

 Mobile Phones:  Making prank calls, sending nasty texts and photo messages  Webcams:  Making people do things on webcams that upset or embarrass them  Forums and Message Boards  Ganging up on someone, excluding someone, making hurtful comments

Effects of Cyber-bullying On the Target  Feeling embarrassed, scared, depressed  Feeling sorry for yourself, wanting to retaliate  May stay away from school to avoid bully On the Bully  Doesn’t learn to compromise or negotiate  Doesn’t learn how to work together On Bystanders and School  Creates a climate of fear and disrespect  Has a negative effect on learning

What can you do?  Report any cyber-bullying  Never respond/retaliate  Block the cyber-bullies  Don’t post any personal information  Save and print any bullying messages  Make a note of the dates and times  Use strong passwords and keep them private

Top Tips for Internet Safety  Don’t post stuff that is very personal  Don’t share your passwords  Don’t meet up with anyone you meet online  Respect other people’s views  Be careful when offered something for nothing  Never accept a gift that involves someone visiting your home. Have fun...but use the internet safely!