You may have heard the term, “cyber bullying” used in news and popular culture, but what exactly is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying is any type of bullying that takes place in a digital space.
Where Does Cyber Bullying Happen?
Cyber bullying can occur on cell phones, computers, tablets and via text, social media, games, forums, apps or anywhere people participate in sharing content.
What Does Cyber Bullying Look Like?
Cyber bullying can look like posts or photos that are harmful, false, or mean and intended to hurt someone else.
Examples of cyber bullying:
- Posting hurtful photos or videos on social media.
- Sharing personal or private information about someone as a way to embarrass them.
- Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves.
- Pretending to be someone else to solicit information
How is Cyber Bullying Different from other forms of Bullying?
Because cyber bullying takes places in very public online spaces it can cause great distress from the victim. There is often no limit to the number of people that can take part in the cyber bullying. It can be very difficult to get content removed and bullies can often be anonymous.
What are the effects of Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying can harm the online reputation of everyone involved. The effects it can take on victims can include: poor performance at school, isolation, depression, fear and even suicide.
How can parents do about Cyber Bullying?
First, make sure your child feels safe. Letting a child know that their safety and well-being are the foremost priority.
Listen to your child and let them tell you everything that happened.
Keep screenshots or recordings of all online encounters to assist in any future investigations.
Reach out for help, from school administration, counselors or even local authorities if necessary.
Set up preventative measures. Make sure cyber bullying doesn’t continue to happen. Set privacy controls on social media apps, block harmful accounts, or possibly even delete accounts or change passwords.
