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Cyber Security Tip ST06-005
Dealing with Cyberbullies
Dealing with Cyberbullies
Bullies are now taking advantage of technology to intimidate and
harass their victims. Dealing with cyberbullying can be difficult, but
there are steps you can take.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying refers to the new, and growing, practice of using
technology to harass, or bully, someone else. Bullies used to be
restricted to methods such as physical intimidation, postal mail, or
the telephone. Now, developments in electronic media offer forums such
as email, instant messaging, web pages, and digital photos to add to
the arsenal. Computers, cell phones, and PDAs are new tools that can
be applied to an old practice.
Forms of cyberbullying can range in severity from cruel or
embarrassing rumors to threats, harassment, or stalking. It can affect
any age group; however, teenagers and young adults are common victims,
and cyberbullying is a growing problem in schools.
Why has cyberbullying become such a problem?
The relative anonymity of the internet is appealing for bullies
because it enhances the intimidation and makes tracing the activity
more difficult. Some bullies also find it easier to be more vicious
because there is no personal contact. Unfortunately, the internet and
email can also increase the visibility of the activity. Information or
pictures posted online or forwarded in mass emails can reach a larger
audience faster than more traditional methods, causing more damage to
the victims. And because of the amount of personal information
available online, bullies may be able to arbitrarily choose their
victims.
Cyberbullying may also indicate a tendency toward more serious
behavior. While bullying has always been an unfortunate reality, most
bullies grow out of it. Cyberbullying has not existed long enough to
have solid research, but there is evidence that it may be an early
warning for more violent behavior.
How can you protect yourself?
* Be careful where you post personal information - By limiting the
number of people who have access to your contact information or
details about your interests, habits, or employment, you reduce
your exposure to bullies that you do not know. This may limit your
risk of becoming a victim and may make it easier to identify the
bully if you are victimized.
* Avoid escalating the situation - Responding with hostility is
likely to provoke a bully and escalate the situation. Depending on
the circumstances, consider ignoring the issue. Often, bullies
thrive on the reaction of their victims. Other options include
subtle actions. For example, if you are receiving unwanted email
messages, consider changing your email address. If the bully does
not have access to the new address, the problem may stop. If you
continue to get messages at your new account, you may have a
stronger case for legal action.
* Document the activity - Keep a record of any online activity
(emails, web pages, instant messages, etc.), including relevant
dates and times. In addition to archiving an electronic version,
consider printing a copy.
* Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities - If you are
being harassed or threatened, report the activity to the local
authorities. Law enforcement agencies have different policies, but
your local police department or FBI branch are good starting
points. Unfortunately, there is a distinction between free speech
and punishable offenses, but the legal implications should be
decided by the law enforcement officials and the prosecutors.
Depending on the activity, it may also be appropriate to report it
to school officials who may have separate policies for dealing
with activity that involves students.
Protect your children by teaching them good online habits (see Keeping
Children Safe Online for more information). Keep lines of
communication open with your children so that they feel comfortable
telling you if they are being victimized online. Reduce their risk of
becoming cyberbullies by setting guidelines for and monitoring their
use of the internet and other electronic media (cell phones, PDAs,
etc.).
_________________________________________________________________
Author: Mindi McDowell
_________________________________________________________________
Produced 2006 by US-CERT, a government organization.
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