1. GOSSIP and CYBERBULLYING
He who gossips with you, will gossip about you. – Spanish proverb

2. What is Gossip?
It is human nature to pass information about self and about others.
It is gossip and NOT information if:
It is negative or meant to tear down
It leaves a bad feeling
It is not helpful to the person
You would not want it said about you

3. Why Do People Gossip? Intolerant of differences (opinions, choices)
Want to feel accepted or included by others
Want what the other person has (status, looks, boyfriend/girlfriend, abilities
They are angry but not willing to address it
Want to feel more powerful than the other person (one-up, insecure)
Like the attention it brings
It’s a habit
It’s become easy to do online

4. Why You Should Stop Gossiping
It is hurtful
It does not benefit a relationship
It does not resolve a problem
You don’t know if it’s true, false, or exaggerated
Others will brand you a gossip
Leaves a negative feeling
It can escalate someone’s depression or other conditions

5. How To Stop Gossiping Turn down invitations to pick others apart.
Change the subject.
Tell friends you are trying to quit the habit.
If you have to tell something, pick a gossip buddy who is not in the same location and doesn’t know the people.
Walk away.
Make a rule for yourself not to talk about someone who is not there to defend themselves.

6. How To Stop Gossiping (cont.)
Apologize if you catch yourself doing it.
Allow yourself to pause and notice the feelings gossiping is giving you.
Recognize your motivation.
Imagine yourself feeling what the subject of the gossip will feel.
Try a 1 day fast from gossiping, notice the feelings of not gossiping.

7. Social Media Gossip or Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is repeated gossiping that takes place using electronic technology.
Examples of cyberbullying include mean messages, rumors, embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles sent by text, , or posted on social networking sites.

8. Why Cyberbullying is Different
Teens who are cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior.
Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.
Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.
Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.

9. Effects of Cyberbullying
Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:
Use alcohol and drugs
Skip school
Experience in-person bullying
Be unwilling to attend school
Receive poor grades
Have lower self-esteem
Have more health problems

10. If You See Cyberbullying
Steps to Take Immediately:
Don’t respond to and don’t forward cyberbullying messages.
Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, s, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers.
Block the person who is cyberbullying.

11. Report Cyberbullying to Online Service Providers
Cyberbullying often violates the terms of service established by social media sites and internet service providers.
Review their terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections. These describe content that is or is not appropriate.
Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.
Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service

12. Report Cyberbullying to Schools
Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying. The school can use the information to help the victim, and create prevention and response strategies.
In many states, schools are required to address cyberbullying in their anti-bullying policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.

13. Report Cyberbullying to Law Enforcement
Threats of violence
Child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos
Taking a photo or video of someone in a place where he or she would expect privacy
Stalking and hate crimes
Some states consider other forms of cyberbullying criminal. Consult your state’s laws and law enforcement for additional guidance.