Cyberbullying

A cyberbully is someone who hurts, threatens or harasses others by sending messages or images through the internet, cell phone or other online device. Cyberbullying comes in many forms including emails, text messages, IM (instant messages), online chats, posts on social network sites or other websites. Some victims have found their online accounts hacked and used to harass other people. In addition, many victims will be harassed and bullied with images they thought were private or that others have manipulated. Victims become publicly humiliated when social networks, websites or group emails are involved.

Further Reading:

CyberBullying NZ- http://www.cyberbullying.org.nz/parents/

Vodafone Blacklist NZ Herald Article: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10684301

Powerful but longer cyberbullying video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbGIwCJK7FM

Take a stand against cyber-bullying http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABC7uP4HfLo

An article about combating cyber-bullying-

http://www.parentingtoday.tv/articles/How-to-combat-cyberbullying/865.html

Tips for kids

If you are being cyberbullied

• Don't escalate things. Try not responding to the bully. If they don’t get a response they may get bored and go away.
• Block the person. This will stop you seeing messages or texts from a particular person.
• Tell someone. Tell your mum or dad, or another adult you trust. Or you can call Kids Helpline on 0800WHATSUP, visit their website.
• Keep the evidence. This can be useful in tracking the bully down. Save texts, emails, online conversations or voicemails as proof.
• Report it to:
  • your school—they should have policies in place about bullying and cyberbullying.
  • your ISP and/or phone provider or the website administrator—there are actions they can take to help.
  • the police—if there is a threat to your safety the police will help.
  • If a friend is being cyberbullied
  • It can be hard to know if your friends are being cyberbullied. They might keep it to themselves. If they are being cyberbullied, you might notice that they may not chat with you online as much, suddenly receive lots of SMS messages or are unhappy after they have been on the computer or checked their phone messages. They may stop hanging around with friends or have lost interest in school or social activities.
  • Help stop cyberbullying
  • Stand up and speak out! If you see or know about cyberbullying happening to a friend, support them and report the bullying. You’d want them to do the same for you.
  • Don’t forward on messages or pictures that may hurt or be upsetting to someone. Even though you may not have started it, you will be seen to be part of the cyberbullying cycle.
  • Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated when communicating online.