By: Kinga Budziszewska, Ashley Hiralal, Jakila Maybury, and Lauren Moore

What is cyber bullying? is when children or teens are targeted by others in online spaces via devices such as computers, cellphones, etc. for the purposes of humiliating, teasing, and threatening (Government of Canada). Hating Gossip trolling Cyberbullying Cyberbullying follows children/teens everywhere

Common Forms of Cyber bullying FLAMING: is online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language HARRASSMENT: is repeatedly sending nasty, mean, and insulting messages. DENIGRATION- is dissing someone online, sending or posting gossip or rumors about a person to damage his or her reputation or friendships IMPERSONATION: is pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material to get that person in trouble or danger or damage that person’s reputation or friendships OUTING: is sharing someone’s secrets or embarrassing information or images online. TRICKERY: is tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information, then sharing it online. EXCLUSION: is intentionally and cruelly excluding someone from an online group. CYBER STALKING: is repeated, intense harassment and denigration that includes threats or creates significant fear.

Cyber bullying can encompass many acts Sending mean texts and s Harassing someone’s Facebook or other social media page Taking or sharing an embarrassing picture without the person’s consent Rating people in negative ways online Spreading rumours through texts or social media Hacking someone’s account and posing as them to send hateful content Ganging up on a player in gaming (Government of Canada)

Consequences of Cyber bullying Cyberbullying is known to have led teens to take their own lives. It destroys reputations...self-esteem...relationships... and mental health (Government of Canada)

Legal consequences for bullies... Depending on severity charges can include Criminal harassment Child pornography Counseling suicide Uttering threats Extortion Identity fraud Incitement of hatred Intimidation (Government of Canada)

Cyber bullying “The Facts” Government of Canada On average, when on the internet girls are more likely to be bullied than boys Not only do children report bullying but, 7% of adult Internet users (age 18 or older) self-reported that they have be bullied at some point in their lives The overall most common form of cyber- bullying involves receiving threatening or aggressive s or instant messages, 73% of victims reported this Canada has the 9th highest rate of bullying in the 13-years-olds age group

Teens and the Internet Bullying has existed in schools and the public for many years in a physical state Bullying occurs more prominently in internet form because it allows bullying to become anonymous Bullying becomes a oblivious issue as parents and teachers have a difficult time pinpointing bullying

CHANGE! Starting in the Classroom The Role of Schools Because schools are one of the main sites of social interaction for children, this becomes a perfect place to raise awareness about Cyber bullying. Question lies?????? How do we overcome the adversities of Cyber Bullying within the classroom? Did you Know that when registering into most high schools students are expected to complete and sign a sheet describing how they are expected to use the internet effectively, refraining from any forms of improper internet use or cyber bullying?

Cyber Bullying & Schools What do we need to do as teachers? maximize safety and minimize risk within our classrooms Curb student use of technology to intimidate and harass others Reduce inappropriate internet behaviors Take measures to secure and protect students personal information Providing protected access to technological resources Communicate clear expectations to teachers, students, and parents about the appropriate use of the internet and the problems with and consequences of cyber bullying. Simply we need to develop responsible Internet citizens Research shows that more than 20% of students have admitted to being bullied online.

GET WISE AND ADDRESS THIS ISSUE! Cyber bullies have access to their victims through the school setting Because bullied students fear for their safety as a result of cyber bullying this begins to effect their academic performance. Did you know that “Schools that fail to take action to curb such bullying can find themselves defending their lack of actions in court or further baring the pain of a student suicide.”

LET’S ADDRESS THIS IN OUR SCHOOLS, LET’S START HERE!! Communicate with students What can schools do? Examine Amend Impleme nt Consequences Develop responsible internet citizens Consequences Take measures Provide protection Reduce Curb Maximize Safety Safe environment Reinforcement Anti bullying policies Program s Training Development Proper use Inform students

What is Canada doing to prevent these issues? The Canadian Government has recently introduced Bill C- 13 to protect Canadians against a multitude of online offences – including Cyberbullying. This new law, “makes it a crime to distribute intimate images online without the consent of the person who is the subject of the photo.”

The Canadian Government has recently launched numerous television advertisements indicating the legal implications of cyber bullying, these ads also provide an online resource to get more information on cyber bullying. The website includes, definition, consequences, prevention tips, and indicators of cyberbullying; providing info for both teens and parents. Peter Mackay (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada) had this to say about the new legislation – “Our Government believes in standing up for Canadians—because it is a basic right for children to feel protected—be it riding a bike in the neighbourhood or surfing the net. Bullying and cyberbullying are complex social problems that require action on a number of levels, from addressing gaps in the Criminal Code to prevention and education programs.”

Many disagree with the new laws, believing that awareness should be the primary preventative measure of cyber bullying, that students should be taught about its consequences and relationship to hate crimes. Others are against the intrusive procedure used to crack down on these crimes.

Further resources: STOP CYBER BULLYING!