Safe in cyberspace
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Most people use websites like Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and Twitter to stay in contact with their mates. Some people however use them as platforms to bully others.
Cyber tactics
The web and digital worlds allow us to keep in touch with friends without having to step foot out of the house. However, not everyone uses the web positively.
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place online, such as on social networking sites, chat rooms, instant messenger and through mobile phones.
Victims of cyberbullying receive abusive emails, mean text messages, inappropriate video clips or pictures and irritating prank calls. Sometimes they are purposely left out of online conversations and chat rooms. Other times victims get their accounts hacked into. In serious cases hate sites can be dedicated to them. Here's is one reader's story.
Digital facts
Cyberbullying can be just as harmful as physical in-your-face-bullying. It’s becoming more and more common too:-
- One in five teens have been threatened online.
- As many as 340,000 people are regularly bullied online and on your phones.
- One in five students have visited sites that bash a person they know.
Helping others
There are many campaigns running at the moment that aim to tackle cyberbullying. CyberMentors is a social networking site run by Beat Bullying which gives support and advice to victims. They're currently running training opportunities for anyone who wants to become a CyberMentor. Watch the video below for more info and a listen to the cyberbullying anthem created by N-Dubz.
What to do…
Nasty emails
Don’t reply to unwanted emails - whether you know who sent them or not. A response is just what the sender wants. Replying only shows the sender that you were affected by their email and will only encourage them to do it again.
Sites like Hotmail, Yahoo! and Google usually have a ‘report abuse’ option and may be able to block or shut down the sender’s email account.
Chat room or instant messaging hassle
Close the conversation or leave the chat room as soon as someone says something nasty or makes you feel uncomfortable. You can also block the person messaging you and delete them off your contacts list. Just like a mean email, never reply! This may be a little harder because chat rooms and instant messengers are live, but try your best.
Remember, people online may not be who they say they are so never give out your personal details. You’ll be less prone to unwanted messages this way.
Dodgy phone calls and creepy texts
Don't hang up as soon as you get an abusive or prank call. Instead, put your phone down and leave it for a few minutes, then hang up or turn your phone off. Once the caller realises that they aren't bothering you they’ll probably get bored and leave you alone.
If the cyberbullying becomes regular then note down the times and dates of the calls and save all texts. If they become threatening or malicious, or if they keep coming, report them to the police.
Get bullyproof
- If you’re being bullied tell someone!
- Make a note of the times and dates of calls.
- Become Bullyproof! Check out these wise words from the celebs.
- Report it. Show a parent, carer or teacher some of the evidence, or click on ‘report abuse’ on the site.
Need more bullying advice? Contact ChildLine on 0800 1111. They’re there to help.
