Thoughts on Cyberbullying
Thoughts on Cyberbullying – Anytime, Anywhere Bullying
If you think about it, we love to be connected at all times. Whether it is via cell phone, smart phone, laptop, PC, Mac, or tablet, we constantly check messages, see what our friends are doing, and communicate. Thanks to technology, we have easy access to one another. Although… Should we be thankful? That can depend on who you ask. For bullies, technology can make it easier to bully others. It is easier to gain access to a target through multiple outlets like social networking sites or through phones (not just the locker room). It is easier to harass (spam) a target with messages. It is easier to be bold in what you “say” because the only person who can “hear” you is on the other side of the device. When dealing with bullying, we always say there is safety in numbers. When you’re online, you’re often alone.
Here are some thoughts and tips about online safety and cyberbullying:
Utilize blocking features. Most social networking websites have features that allow you to block individuals, and you can contact your cell phone company about blocking specific numbers.
Be aware of your Privacy Settings. Those of you who communicate through social networking sites need to know what you can and cannot do on each website. If you’re on Facebook, you can block people or even choose who can see certain sections of your page. However, once you post something on someone else’s wall, then your comment is free for anyone to see.
Be careful when giving out information. You would be surprised how many people publish their cell phone numbers on their Facebook page. You would also be surprised at how little thought we sometimes put into who we “friend” or who we give our cell phone number to. How many times do you add a “friend” who you do not know personally (perhaps they go to your school, or are a friend of a friend)? Those people now have access to your personal information long after you have forgotten that you even added them.
Stop and think before you post. It sounds simple, but how often do you text or type something and then send it without thinking about the fact that this information could be available to others? Be prepared for whatever you send or post to be permanent.
If you are being harassed online or are the target of a cyberbully:
Don’t react. Cyberbullies are trying to get a reaction from you. If you argue back or start trying to put out fires, you are giving in to what the bully wants.
Contact a trustworthy adult. You may be afraid that you’ll lose internet privileges if you tell parents, but your safety is more important. Don’t wait until it is unbearable
Delete any posts ONLY after you have printed evidence. It is hard to police cyberbullying, so being able to provide evidence can help stop it. Once you have the evidence, delete it from your page or phone.
Learn more about cyberbullying. Check out some information about cyberbullying on the internet:
www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Your school counselor is a resource that can help you and your child deal with bullying in a positive and proactive way. Contact your child’s school counselor for more information. LFCS also offers counseling to children and families who are dealing with the effects of bullying. To make an appointment with an LFCS counselor call (314) 787-5100 and ask for the Intake Department.
If you think about it, we love to be connected at all times. Whether it is via cell phone, smart phone, laptop, PC, Mac, or tablet, we constantly check messages, see what our friends are doing, and communicate. Thanks to technology, we have easy access to one another. Although… Should we be thankful? That can depend on who you ask. For bullies, technology can make it easier to bully others. It is easier to gain access to a target through multiple outlets like social networking sites or through phones (not just the locker room). It is easier to harass (spam) a target with messages. It is easier to be bold in what you “say” because the only person who can “hear” you is on the other side of the device. When dealing with bullying, we always say there is safety in numbers. When you’re online, you’re often alone.
Here are some thoughts and tips about online safety and cyberbullying:
Utilize blocking features. Most social networking websites have features that allow you to block individuals, and you can contact your cell phone company about blocking specific numbers.
Be aware of your Privacy Settings. Those of you who communicate through social networking sites need to know what you can and cannot do on each website. If you’re on Facebook, you can block people or even choose who can see certain sections of your page. However, once you post something on someone else’s wall, then your comment is free for anyone to see.
Be careful when giving out information. You would be surprised how many people publish their cell phone numbers on their Facebook page. You would also be surprised at how little thought we sometimes put into who we “friend” or who we give our cell phone number to. How many times do you add a “friend” who you do not know personally (perhaps they go to your school, or are a friend of a friend)? Those people now have access to your personal information long after you have forgotten that you even added them.
Stop and think before you post. It sounds simple, but how often do you text or type something and then send it without thinking about the fact that this information could be available to others? Be prepared for whatever you send or post to be permanent.
If you are being harassed online or are the target of a cyberbully:
Don’t react. Cyberbullies are trying to get a reaction from you. If you argue back or start trying to put out fires, you are giving in to what the bully wants.
Contact a trustworthy adult. You may be afraid that you’ll lose internet privileges if you tell parents, but your safety is more important. Don’t wait until it is unbearable
Delete any posts ONLY after you have printed evidence. It is hard to police cyberbullying, so being able to provide evidence can help stop it. Once you have the evidence, delete it from your page or phone.
Learn more about cyberbullying. Check out some information about cyberbullying on the internet:
www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Your school counselor is a resource that can help you and your child deal with bullying in a positive and proactive way. Contact your child’s school counselor for more information. LFCS also offers counseling to children and families who are dealing with the effects of bullying. To make an appointment with an LFCS counselor call (314) 787-5100 and ask for the Intake Department.