According to StopBullying.gov, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can happen via text message and within apps, on social media, forums, and gaming sites. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.Â
Signs that a child may be a victim of cyberbullying include:
Avoiding the computer, cellphone, and other technological devices or appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text
Withdrawing from family and friends or acting reluctant to attend school and social events
Avoiding conversations about computer use
Exhibiting signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear
Has declining grades
Has poor eating or sleeping habits
Discussions about positive, healthy habits online should start early and happen often. Use these discussion starters to get the conversation started.
Has anyone ever tried talking to you online about inappropriate or sexual things? What did you do?
Do you trust all of your online friends? Are there any people you should unfriend or block?
Do you know how to report, flag, or block people on the websites and apps you use? Can you show me?
Who would you talk to if you were upset by a request you received online?
If you see something online that's meant to hurt someone, don't "like" or share it. Think about how you'd feel if someone did that to you.
It's OK not to like someone. It's not OK to bully them.
If someone cyberbullies you, you may want to send a mean comment back, but it could make this worse. Instead, save the evidence and report it.
Being a good digital citizen means standing up for others. Take steps to help peers being cyberbullied (eg., post nice comments, sit with them at lunch, report the harassment, etc.).
Information for this section adapted from https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/topics/cyberbullying.