CYBERBULLYING

What kind of legacy will you choose? Last week we learned through Rachel’s Challenge how one person can have a positive impact on others. Kindness & respect Increased self esteem and happiness This ACTION starts a CHAIN REACTION OF KINDNESS AND COMPASSION throughout the school that leads to a happier, healthier atmosphere

Cyber-bullying Today we will talk about an opposite way of treating others that is becoming more common today: CYBER-BULLYING The effects of cyber-bullying can be very damaging to another person! Cyber-bullying depression, isolation, low self worth, fearfulness

What is cyber-bullying? Cyber-bullying is : the use of cell phones or the internet to send hurtful messages or post information the damages people’s reputation and friendships

Examples of Cyber-bullying repeatedly sending mean messages posting gossip or rumors sharing someone’s secrets pretending to be someone else and sending information to get that person in trouble. excluding someone from an online group

Video example Watch this video to see an example of how cyber- bullying can get out of control and cause serious damage to the victim. Pay attention to how the bullying got started and possible ways that it could have been prevented, stopped or diminished. Link to video………

Don’t Give Power to Bullies If someone had stood up when the bullying began and tried to stop the ringleaders, the outcome for this student might have been different. Bullying quickly escalates when no one steps in to stand up for the victim.

What to do if you are Cyber-bullied Never retaliate. Keep your hands off the keyboard until you have calmed down enough to figure out what to do. Always save the evidence. Download harmful material, save chats or IMs. Don’t keep looking at it. It will only make you feel worse. Tell an adult. Do not try to keep this to yourself!!

What to do if you are Cyber-bullied Tell the cyber-bully to stop and then ignore them. Say “stop sending messages” or “remove material you posted”. Make sure your message is not emotional. File a complaint with the web site or service. Most services prohibit bullying behavior. Change your address and phone number.

Preventing Cyber-bullying Protect yourself. Never provide information or images in electronic form that could be used against you. Examine how you are communicating. Be sure that you are not communicating in a way that is hurting feelings. Find new friends if the group you are trying to be friends with are treating you badly.

Don’t be a Cyber-bully Many people have sent messages that they wish they had not. If you have posted angry or hurtful information, remove it and apologize. Bullies don’t just lose their temper and make a mistake. They intentionally put others down to try to make themselves feel more important. They defend their actions. Whenever you use electronic communications you are leaving traces and footprints that lead back to you. Eventually people can figure out who you are and hold you accountable for the harm you have caused.

Response to cyber-bullying Be a friend to the victim. Encourage them to report and to stay off the damaging electronic sites. Report the bullying to the school the victim attends. You can download the material anonymously. Tell your parents and ask their guidance.

Response to Cyber-bullying Bullies love an audience and a reaction!! Don’t join in!! Be the one who stands up against Cyber- bullying in your online communications

Discussion questions Have you ever experienced cyber-bullying? How did it impact you? How did it stop? Why do you think teens don’t tell their parents what is going on online? What should you Not do if you are Cyber-bullied? Why? Would you say anything online that you would not say in person? What can you do if you see someone else being cyber- bullied?