Cyber-Bullying .

Cyber-Bullying

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Introduction

Cyber-Bullying is fast becoming the most common form of bullying in schools. With the increasing use of technology, children are using this as a way to bully and harass others. In this power point out group will discuss what cyber-bullying is, what are it’s causes, how to avoid it and also provide resources for people wanting to gain more information about cyber-bullying.

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What is Cyber-Bullying>

Cyber-Bullying is where people deliberately use technology to harass, threaten or bully other people. Cyber-Bullying usually occurs between young people but when an adult is involved it is called “Cyber-Harassment”. This could involve legal consequences.

Identifying Cyber-Bullying is normally quite clear as it is usually in the form of an abusive message or online post. Due to the advanced way that children use technology in todays society, Cyber-Bullying is becoming far more prevalent and it is important to be able to identify, avoid and deal with Cyber-Bullying.

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Why Do We Do It?

People who Cyber-Bully also normally bully in person. Having the ability to remain anonymous and being able to do it 24 hours a day are some of the reasons as to why people do it.

Occasionally people bully themselves online as a way of getting attention.

Emotions such as anger, revenge, jealousy and loneliness.

Having so much technology available to them, people sometimes do it when they are bored.

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What Does It Look Like?

Cyber-Bullying can be demonstrated through a variety of categories such as:

Abusive or threatening text messages.

Hurtful rumors and gossip.

Imitation or parodies of others.

Discriminatory communication.

Talk -> Report -> Support

Forms of Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-Bullying can come in many different forms such as

Cyber-Stalking

Harassment

Threats

Flaming (arguments)

Impersonating (teasing)

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What Effects Does Cyber-Bullying Have?

The consequences associated with cyber-bullying can have a dramatic impact on the victim. Depression and anxiety are both associated with people who have been cyber-bullied.

The more serious effects cyber-bullying has on young people is things such as self-harm and suicide. With the number of suicides caused from cyber-bullying rising, this highlights the importance of stopping cyber-bullying and dealing with it appropriately.

Statistics

Alarming statistics highlight the prevalence of cyber-bullying in Australia.

Females in years 6-12, 64% have reported themselves as being victims of cyber-bullying.

25% of cyber-bullies target people that they have never met.

Nearly 85% of cyber-bullies also bully people offline as well.

Cyber-Bullying is most common in late primary school and early high school with children invloved being between the age of 10-14.

What Should We Do?

If you are a victim of cyber-bullying or witness it being done there are a few things that you should do straight away.

1. REPORT: tell a parent or a teacher about what is going on. Keep a copy of what’s been said so you can give it to an adult.

2. STAY OFFLINE: If you are getting bullied, do not return until the problem has been resolved. It will only get worse if you stay on.

3. DO NOT RETALIATE: Block the person immediately and do not respond or retaliate.

Resources

Some websites that provide great information for children, parents and teachers are:

CyberSmart : CyberSmart provides resources for teacher parents and students as well as having different information for various age groups.

ReachOut : The cyber-bullying page on reach out is a good website for information on where you can get help if you are a victim of cyber-bullying. As well as information on how to avoid it.