Online bullying, called cyberbullying, occurs when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens.
Cyberbullying is a serious problem that can cause teens to harm themselves or others. Here is a real-life story from Missouri that illustrates the potential consequences of cyberbullying.
Whether you've been a victim of cyberbullying, know someone who has been cyberbullied, or have even cyberbullied yourself, there are steps you and your friends can take to stop cyberbullying and stay NetSafe.
So what should you do if you're cyberbullied?
Contrary to what cyberbullies may believe, cyberbullying is a big deal, and can cause a variety of reactions in teens. Some teens have reacted in positive ways to try to prevent cyberbullying by:
- Blocking communication with the cyberbully.
- Deleting messages without reading them.
- Talking to a friend about the bullying.
- Reporting the problem to an Internet service provider or website moderator .
- Report the cyberbullying to a trusted adult.
DO NOT:
- 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.
- Never seek revenge on the bully.
- Never avoid friends and activities.
- Never cyberbully back.