Cyber bullying

Hi everyone

This is Sanjita Naik of GVM'SGGPR College of commerce and economics would like to share my views on cyber bullying.

                                              CYBER BULLYING

                          

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Ø Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.

Ø SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices.

Ø Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)

Ø Email

Signs of Cyberbullying

Many kids and teens who are cyberbullied don't want to tell a teacher or parent, often because they feel ashamed of the social stigma or fear that their computer privileges will be taken away at home.

Signs of cyberbullying vary, but may include:

v being emotionally upset during or after using the Internet or the phone

v being very secretive or protective of one's digital life

v withdrawal from family members, friends, and activities

v avoiding school or group gatherings

v slipping grades and "acting out" in anger at home

v changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, or appetite

v wanting to stop using the computer or cellphone

v being nervous or jumpy when getting an instant message, text, or email

Prevent cyber bullying

You can prevent cyber bullying by:

• If you get any emails, instant messages or chatroom conversations from a bully/harasser, save them and print them off. They can now be used as evidence and show these to your parents and to the police.
• Be very careful of who you post your pictures, files, messages and attachments to. Anyone can see them and you never know where they can land and fall into the wrong hands (At work, your boss and IT staff can monitor and see everything)
• You can copy and paste an email/instant messenger or chatroom conversation from a bully/harasser onto a Word Document.
• If you are being cyber bullied you should tell a parent or an adult you trust.

The best thing you can do is try to stop the bullying by taking a stand against it. If you can’t stop it, support the person being bullied. If the person’s a friend, you can listen and see how to help. Consider together whether you should report the bullying.

Parents, law enforcement and educators all need to take caution with watching over children in order to prevent cyber bulling. If everyone comes together including educators, law enforcement and the biggest role, the parents, then cyberbullying can be stopped. The next time these 12 to 17-year-old log onto the internet, maybe they won’t be affected by cyber bullying if everyone begins to work together.

Regards,