In these times of uncertainty, it is important that not only our physical health is okay but also our mental health is even more! We are lucky to be able to contact each other quickly but behind these screens, 37% experience cyberbullying according to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.
WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?
"Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through text and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior."
WHAT DOES CYBERBULLYING LOOK LIKE?
Posting comments or rumors about someone online to embarrass them.
Threatening someone.
Posting a mean picture or video.
Pretending to be someone else online in order to post personal or false information about someone.
Posting mean names, comments, or content about any race, religion, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics online.
Creating a webpage about someone that's mean or hurtful.
Making their personal information public, including addresses, social security, credit card, and phone numbers, links to social media accounts, and other private data
WHAT MAKES CYBERBULLYING THE WORST TYPE OF BULLYING?
From personal experience, cyberbullying for me affected me the most. Being put behind a screen it’s so much easier to make comments about people that you would never say to their face. It can send to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Having access to each other means the bullying never has to stop there is truly no way to get away from it. Cyberbullying can also be done anonymously. You might not even know the person who is truly behind the other end of the screen which will lead you to ask, "Who can I trust?". Online bullying can also be challenging for adults to handle, students will gravitate to online environments to which adults don’t have access, including group chats, texts, or newer social media sites.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I AM BEING CYBERBULLIED?
Tell an adult immediately!! The faster you report the situation the sooner it can be handled. Take screenshots, because the bully will try to take the evidence away but the faster you screenshot the harder it will be for them to say you did. Documentation is key in this situation especially if you have to get school administration, or law officials involved.
Every state has a bullying prevention law or policy that helps districts and schools address bullying. They often require that schools address cyberbullying in their district policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that could create a dangerous school environment. If you experience cyberbullying, ask to see the school’s bullying prevention policy and learn more about the school's role in prevention. Also, find a point of contact at the school for reporting cyberbullying provide documentation to that person as well.
To learn more about Cyberbullying check these websites out!
This article showcases PACER's NBPC research about cyberbullying. They provide us with information on how big cyberbullying is!
Today’s technology provides young people with new ways to it also presents new challenges. This article teaches us 5 things that we need to know with the rise of cyberbullying.
Authored by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
Published by Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), December 2019
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