Cyberbullying

IDevice Icon Cyberbullying:

Cyberbullying uses technology to intensify bullying and uses electronic text and digital photos. It is particularly harmful because the bully can hide and be anonymous. It spreads rapidly to a large audience. It is difficult to pinpoint the aggressor resulting in little fear of punishment. And often it is not reported because the victims fear losing access to electronic communication. It consists of:

 

  • Slurs on websites or blogs
  • Mean or threatening instant messages (IMs)
  • Using camera phones to take embarrassing photos and posting on web sites or circulating via phone.
  • Circulating gossip, rumors, and voting
  • Video mobbing

IDevice Icon Online Risky Behavior

Participation in "risky" behavior increases the chance of involvement or of being targeted by "cyberbullies". Vulnerable and at-risk teens have a higher probability of searching for acceptance and attention from people online and are more vulnerable to manipulative influence techniques. Following behaviors should be avoided:

  • Disclosing personal information--many are unaware of the public and permanent nature of disclosures of a personal nature and do not consider the ability of others to send the information to anyone, anywhere.
  • Internet addiction--can result in a lack of healthy engagement in other areas of life.
  • Suicide and self-harm communities--are sites where depressed young people interact with others who provide information on suicide and self-harm methods.
  • Hate group recruitment and gangs--they foster hatred against "others" and actively recruit angry, disconnected youth
  • Risky sexual behavior--ranges from online discussions about sex to "hook ups".
  • Violent gaming--may result in sexual and other bias-based aggression.

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