Post on 08-May-2015
Cyberbullying Bullying Goes High Tech
Jim MasucciNovember 10, 2010
“It’s one thing when you get made fun of at school, but to be bullied in your own home, via your computer, is a disgusting thing for people to do.” Sixteen year old from Alabama
What is Cyberbullying?
Being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material using technological means
An individual or group that uses
information and communication involvingelectronic technologies to facilitatedeliberate and repeated harassment orthreats to an individual or group.
Also known as: ‘Electronic Bullying’ & ‘Online Social Cruelty’
Tools for Cyberbullying Cell Phones – calls
or messages Internet
Electronic Mail Instant Messaging Blogs Social Networks Chat Rooms Defamatory Web
Sites (Polling)
Why Cyberbullying?
The Internet has become a way of life for most teens, and an easy tool for harassing others.
91% of 12 – 15 year olds use the Internet
99% of teens 16 – 18 use the Internet
Available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk
Victim is a perpetual target
Why Cyberbullying? (cont)
Traditional bullying – the bully is usually stronger than his or her victim either physically or socially. Usually occurs in the school setting (classroom, playground, or bus).
Cyberbullying - Internet tends to level the playing field, affording less dominant teens the means they need to bully others. Sometimes used in revenge for traditional bullying.
How Big a Problem Is It? 42% of teens surveyed admitted to
being bullied on-line 35% claim to have been threatened. 53% confessed to having said
something mean or hurtful on-line. (I-Safe 2007)
More girls than boys are cyberbullied. For teens that are regular visitors to
social networking sites, the chances of them being cyberbullied goes up.
Only 15% of parents knew what cyberbullying was
Types of Cyberbullies Avenging Angel - use technical means to get
back at someone who has been bullying them, or one of their friends.
Power Hungry - Closest to traditional school yard bully. Tends to feel superior, and exerts his or her strengths over the victim.
Types of Cyberbullies (cont.) Mean Girls - Work in
groups, and need an audience to play to. The group tends to approve of the actions, or do nothing about them.
Inadvertent Bully – Probably don’t even realize they are doing something wrong. Ex : passing on gossip or pictures or answering polls.
Forms of Cyberbullying Flaming – Saying mean or hurtful things Harassment and cyberstalking - repeated
actions such as sending messages, or threats to a victim.
Denigration – putting someone down Outing – spreading secret or embarrassing
information or pictures Exclusion - intentionally excluding a person
by leaving them off of the list. Impersonation – pretending to be someone
else
Cyberbullying – It’s Illegal
All of the following forms of cyberbulling can lead to arrest & prosecution:
Making threats of violence to people or their property
Making obscene or harassing phone calls
Harassment or stalking Hate or bias crimes Creating or sending sexually explicit
images of teens Posting real or doctored photos of
someone without their permission Taking a photo of someone in place
where privacy expected
Impacts of Cyberbullying Feelings of guilt or self
blame Sleep difficulties Poor performance in
school Violence against
tormentors. Victims are 8X more likely to bring a weapon to school
Suicide
What Should You Do? Teens
Do not respond in a similar manner. Block the screen names if possible.
Do not forward anything Do not delete messages Consult an adult Safeguard user ID’s and
passwords.
“A password is like a tooth brush. Choose a good one, and don’t share it.” (Yahoo Security Center)
What Should You Do? Parents
Take the situation seriously, and be supportive.
Don’t blame the victim. Increase tech awareness. Monitor computer use.
(Software & placement of computer)
Contact ISP and cell phone provider. Contact law enforcement, if threatened.
What Should You Do? Teachers and SchoolsIf the incident occurs during
school, investigate and respond.
Otherwise : Respond if the incident
causes disruptions. Provide counseling to the
perpetrators and the victims
Develop anti-bulllying programs to educate students
Teach Our Children All actions have consequences Cyber bullying hurts They are just being used and
manipulated by cyber bully Cyber bully and accomplices
often become the target of cyber bullying themselves
Care about others and stand up for what’s right
Legal Issues for Schools Privacy Issue – Does a school have the right
to search a student’s computer for evidence. Free Speech Issue – Does the school have
the right to discipline a student for remarks published on the Internet during non-school hours.
Sexting
Sending sexually suggestive messages or images to others via cell phone, or posting them on social websites.
Surveys of teenagers :- 20 percent have sent or posted picture of themselves - 40 percent of teenagers have sent sexually suggestive messages.- More girls than boys
Technology is much more far-reaching and permanent, and teenagers are not consequential thinkers . . . They are pushing boundaries around sexuality.
Sexting – Legal Consequenses
Worst Case scenario Possession or distribution of Child
Pornography Possible inclusion on sex offenders
registry.More likely Suspension or expulsion from school. Probation and attend counseling
Additional Sources
http://www.scottmcleod.net/ties2006
http://www.stopcyberbulling.com
http://www.nertsmartz.org
http://www.isafe.org