What is Cyberbullying       

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Why Cyberbullying is Different

Kids who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior.

•  Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.

• Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.

• Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.

How Are Teens Cyberbullied?

Being a victim of cyberbullying can be a common and painful experience. Some youth who cyberbully

•  Pretend they are other people online to trick others

• Spread lies and rumors about victims

• Trick people into revealing personal information

•  Send or forward mean text messages

• Post pictures of victims without their consent

When teens were asked why they think others cyberbully, 81 percent said that cyberbullies think it’s funny. Other teens believe that youth who cyberbully

•   Do not think it's a big deal

•  Don’t think about the consequences

•  Are encouraged by friends

•   Think everybody cyberbullies

•  Think they won’t get caught

How Can I Prevent Cyberbullying?

Teens have figured out ways to prevent cyberbullying. Follow in the footsteps of other quick-thinking teens and

• Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages

• Tell friends to stop cyberbullying

• Block communication with cyberbullies

• Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult

You can also help prevent cyberbullying by

• Speaking with other students, as well as teachers and school administrators, to develop rules against cyberbullying

• Raising awareness of the cyberbullying problem in your community by holding an assembly and creating fliers to give to younger kids or parents

• Sharing NCPC's anti-cyberbullying message with friends

Don't forget that even though you can't see a cyberbully or the bully's victim, cyberbullying causes real problems.  If you wouldn't say it in person, don't say it online. Delete cyberbullying.  Don't write it.  Don't forward it.

What Else Can I Do To Stay Cyber-safe?

Remember that the Internet is accessed by millions of people all over the world, not just your friends and family. While many Internet users are friendly, some may want to hurt you. Below are some ways to stay cyber-safe:

• Never post or share your personal information online (this includes your full name, address, telephone number, school name, parents’ names, credit card number, or Social Security number) or your friends’ personal information.

• Never share your Internet passwords with anyone, except your parents.

• Never meet anyone face-to-face whom you only know online.

• Talk to your parents about what you do online.

reference: http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html

               http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying