Cyber Bullying

Mainstream manufacturers of hi-tech gadgets are thinking of ways to help reduce theft…

What is it?

Cyber bullying is when people are nasty or tease or threaten someone online or through a mobile phone or other digital technology. Nobody has the right to do this to you and make you feel scared, hurt or unhappy. There are various ways this can come about and all are a form of emotional abuse:

• Email (including video attachments) – abusive emails, inappropriate video attachments.
• Instant messaging and chat rooms – sending abusive messages.
• Social networking sites – creating fake profiles or leaving abusive messages.
• Mobile phones – texts/ photo messages/ voicemails/ sharing videos (happy slapping or blue jacking).

Beat the bullies

If you think you are a victim of cyber bullying or want to know how to take steps to prevent it follow these tips:

• Talk to a parent or teacher if you think you are being bullied – this might be because of an email or text or photo you have received that you don’t feel comfortable about. If it doesn’t stop then go to the police.
• Don’t reply to any of the messages – this might be seen as encouraging the bully or end up with you responding in an equally abusive way.
• Keep a copy so that you can show it to your parent or teacher (and possibly the police).
• It is easy to trace the ID of someone sending nasty/abusive texts so it is worth pursuing.
• Don’t answer calls from withheld numbers or numbers you do not recognise – of the call is important the person will leave a message and you can then judge whether it is an appropriate and genuine call.
• Don’t give out personal details on the internet.
• Change your online nickname or user ID if you think that someone is targeting you.
• Block the email address and/or complain to the host website.

Create a safe social network profile

• Control the security settings so only the people you know are allowed to see it.
• Never use your real name.
• Never tell anyone personal things about yourself.
• Never give out your address or phone number.
• Post an image of your favourite band or something else instead of yourself.
• Keep your password private and don’t tell anyone.
• Don’t add anyone as a friend you don’t know.
• People can create fake profiles so be careful – people might not be who they claim.
• NEVER arrange to meet someone you have met online.

Key facts

• Always tell a parent or teacher if you are receiving abusive or unpleasant messages/photos/video attachments or anything of that nature.
• Never reply but keep a copy.
• Don’t give out personal information unless you are certain it can only be accessed by people you know and trust such as close friends and family.
• NEVER arrange to meet someone you have met online.