Top concerns for cyberbullying
Online bullies, AKA cyberbullies, use technology — like cell phones and the Internet — to harass, embarrass or intimidate an individual. Cyberbullies send nasty rumours or hurtful comments over text messages, emails, websites and on instant message programs. Cyberbullies have also been known to send or post embarrassing photos of their victims over the Internet as well.
Cyberbullying is not as easy to spot as schoolyard bullying and cyber-bullies can spread offensive message to a large group of people very fast. It only takes a minute to text an embarrassing photo to dozens of classmates.
The Internet and cell phones give cyberbullies and sense of anonymity — making their attacks more vicious.
Discuss the different types of cyberbullying as a family; stressing the fact that it’s never the victim’s fault, and that enjoyable online activities won’t disappear if bullying is reported. Most victims don’t report cyberbullying because they’re too embarrassed, or out of fear that they’ll lose their Internet or cell phone privileges.
For more help and information on stopping bullying visit these websites:
| bfree.ca |
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| .teamheroes.ca |
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