Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is typically defined as:
A Cyberbully may be someone the target knows or a stranger. A Cyberbully is oftentimes anonymous and may involve other people who may not even know the target. When that happens it is called a 'digital pile-on'.
- actions that use information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm another or others.
- use of communication technologies for the intention of harming another person
- use of internet service and mobile technologies such as web pages and discussion groups as well as instant messaging or text messaging with the intention of harming another person.
A Cyberbully may be someone the target knows or a stranger. A Cyberbully is oftentimes anonymous and may involve other people who may not even know the target. When that happens it is called a 'digital pile-on'.
The following video by Childnet International is a good example of Cyberbullying and what you should do if you are Cyberbullied.
Cyberbullies uses technology to deliberately and repeatedly bully someone. It can happen to anyone, at anytime, anywhere and can leave you feeling unsafe and alone. It can include:
Remember, treat others as you would like to be treated both online and normally.
How is Cyberbullying different than face-to-face bullying? While it is similar, it is different because:
- Abusive texts and emails or false texts and emails.
- Posting unkind messages or images on social media sites.
- Imitating others online on social media.
- Excluding others online by ostracizing.
- Inappropriate image tagging.
- Inappropriate discussions.
Remember, treat others as you would like to be treated both online and normally.
How is Cyberbullying different than face-to-face bullying? While it is similar, it is different because:
- Its anonymous, the bully can have a sense of not being known.
- Its 24/7, the bullying can continue 24/7 and it can be difficult to escape.
- It can happen anywhere, at school, home, and at a game it often follows students around.
- It can have a large audience - the bullying message can be sent to groups or posted on a public forum.
Statistics
According to research conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center:
- 52% of students reported being Cyberbullied,
- 33% of teens have experienced Cyberthreats online,
- 25% of teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the internet,
- 52% of teens do not tell their parents when Cyberbullying occurs, and
- 11% of teens have had embarrassing or damaging pictures taken of themselves without their permission, often using cell phone or tablet cameras.
- 90% of teens who witness Cyberbullying online say they ignore it,
- 40% tell their parents, and
- 81% of kids say it’s easier to get away with bullying online than in person.
This page was last updated on December 12, 2012.