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Any form of bullying behavior, any messages that are meant to intimidate, embarrass, harass or threaten, that are sent over any communication technology. So basically, any way kids are able to communicate with each other online, they are able to bully. This is something that will get worse before it gets better. Kids are getting really creative with how to do this and it is socially accepted.
Some examples of cyber-bullying include:
- Flaming - online fights using vulgar language
- Harassment - repeatedly sending nasty insulting messages
- Defamation - Dissing someone, sending or posting gossip or rumors about a person to damage his or her reputation or friendship
- Impersonation - pretending to be someone else and sending/posting material to damage their reputation
- Pranking - Tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing info &then sharing it online
- Exclusion - Intentionally &cruelly excluding someone from an online group
- Cyber-stalking - Repeated intense harassment, including threats &inducing fear
Technologies Used to Cyber-Bully
- The Internet
- Computers and Laptops
- Cell Phones and Smart Phones
- Gaming Consoles
- Handheld Gaming Devices
Why do kids cyber-bully?
- Some kids think it's cool to be cruel
- To be popular or fit in
- They are jealous of another person
- To get a reaction
- For revenge
- Retaliation, they have been cyber-bullied
What makes cyber-bullying different from traditional bullying?
- Cyber-bullying differs in that kids cannot get away from it - with traditional bullying kids can go home - and have the safety of their home and the support of their family.
- It can happen 24/7 and it can happen anywhere.
- Information can be spread to many people, very quickly.
- No adults are accidently witnessing this like face-to-face bullying (on a playground or in the cafeteria)
- And one of the biggest difference is that the bully is removed from the target. So they do not see the facial expressions or the body language and so they tend to be nastier.
- Information posted online is permanent
Reporting
78% of teens harassed and embarrassed on networking sites did not tell an adult. Additionally 72% of teens who have been contacted 10 times per hour or more through texting or email did not tell an adult.
The number one reason children/teens do not tell an adult when they have been cyber-bullied is they don't think it is serious. This is problematic in that it can quickly get out of control. Other reasons are they are afraid of losing cell phone, computer or internet privileges and/or they will get in trouble (they may think it is their fault because they "asked for it", because of their personality or they didn't stand up to them).
Texting someone 10 times per hour or more is stalking and teens aren't telling anyone because they think this is normal behavior. Teens may think that "It's good that he/she checks on me...if he/she didn't it would mean he/she didn't like me...".
The THREE Roles of cyber-bullying
Bully - With technology the bully can be anyone. It is not just the strong boy or the popular girl like with traditional bullying. It can be a person of any size, persona or age.
Target - It is affecting many children/teens but the age group being cyber-bullied are girls from 14-17 and second, boys from 10-13
Bystander - This is an important role. It can be difficult for the target to speak up because they are afraid they will get in trouble, they are too embarrassed, scared, etc. So it is crucial that the person who sees that email or instant message speak up and tell a trusted adult. The bystander is encouraged to refrain from forwarding messages, photos and videos. Keeping the message is important in case legal action has to be taken
The Law - Cyber-bullying is against the law in Vermont. It falls under the Disorderly Conduct via Electronic Communication Statues title 13 VSA 1027: disturbing peace by use of telephone or other electronic communications. The fine for the first offense is $250 and/or 3 months in Juvenile Detention and for the second offense, $500 and/or 6 months in Juvenile Detention.
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