Cyber bullying is when someone uses the internet or mobiles to deliberately upset someone else.
This is a form of bullying and you shouldn’t have to put up with it.
By using technology like mobiles or the internet, this type of bullying can affect someone not just at school, but at home as well. Because it takes place in the virtual world, it has a 24/7 nature and can make someone feel upset or threatened in their own home.
It can sometimes be hard to identify who the cyber bully is because they could block their number or post things on a website anonymously. The nature of this type of bullying means it can have a large audience, many of whom may not even realise they are being bullies.
A positive thing about this kind of bullying is that it can be evidenced. With normal bullying, it can be one person’s word against another’s, but with cyber bullying you can save texts or print our emails / IM’s / Webpages. This can be used as proof to catch the bully and stop them upsetting someone; this could be you or a friend.
Save all evidence you have of the bullying. If you have nasty emails or things posted on your profile save them to your machine so you can use it as proof. Save texts or voicemails that say anything horrible. Learn how to block the bully on IM or delete them from your contacts.
Try not to reply or retaliate to things they say or do; it might make the situation worse. If you don’t respond, they are more likely to get bored and move on.
If you are being bothered via text, contact your service provider.
Although bullying is not a specific criminal offence in the law, criminal and civil laws can apply in terms of, for example, harassment or threatening behaviour, and particularly relevant for cyber bullying – threatening and menacing communications.
Remember, no one deserves to be cyberbullied, and no one should have to go through it alone. If you’re really upset and don’t know what to do, please talk to an adult you trust, it can be a parent, counsellor, teacher or an older friend. You can also contact us at Police HQ on 612612.
Visit www.cybermentors.uk for online support and advice about cyberbullying and much more.
