Cyber Safety Tips
Protecting kids from bullying at school can be hard enough. Keeping them safe from cyberbullying through phone text messages, email and internet sites can be even more difficult.
Well-known psychologist Anthony Beardall offers some tips to help you, parents and teachers recognise how cyberbullying occurs and how you can help overcome the problem.
How Are Teens Cyberbullied?
Falling victim to cyberbullying is a common and painful experience. Some youth who cyberbully:
- Pretend they are other people online to trick others
- Spread lies and rumours about victims
- Trick people into revealing personal information
- Send or forward mean text messages
- Post pictures of victims without their consent
Why do young people cyberbully each other?
Sometimes, people simply don't stop to think that their actions may frighten, embarrass or offend someone. Some other reasons why young people may cyberbully are because they:
- Think it's funny
- Don't think it's a big deal
- Don't think about the consequences
- Enjoy pretending to be someone they're not
- Are encouraged by friends
- Think everybody cyberbullies
What can you do if you're being bullied online?
If you are being cyberbullied, it's normal to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or scared. These emotions can cause victims to react in ways such as:
- Seeking revenge on the bully
- Avoiding friends and activities
- Cyberbullying back
Some teens feel threatened because they may not know who is cyberbullying them. Although cyberbullies may think they are anonymous, they can be found. If you, or someone you know, need help because you are being cyberbullied or harassed, you should save all communication with the cyberbully and talk to a parent, teacher, police officer, or other adult you trust.
Police advise that all young people should be aware that if they use technology in an inappropriate fashion, they could be committing a crime. Messages, phone calls and chat rooms can be traced, even if a false name is used.
The Victorian Crimes Act 1958 was amended in 1995 to include the offence of stalking. This includes telephoning and sending electronic messages with the intention of causing physical or mental harm.
The sending of images is also covered by various State and Commonwealth laws that prevent the publication of material that is objectionable, unclassified or unsuitable for minors.
Here are some tips to help young people avoid cyberbullying situations:
Do's
- Take the time to calm down if you're feeling upset or angry. Try throwing a basketball, going for a run, baking some biscuits or reading a book.
- Stop and think before sending messages. Even if you think it's funny, someone else might find it hurtful.
- Re-read what you're going to send. Make sure that it's going to the right person, and check that it doesn't contain any confusing language that could be misinterpreted.
- Try talking face-to-face with someone if you're upset with them.
- Always ask someones permission before putting a photo or video of them on the internet.
- It's okay to tell a parent or teacher if you're being cyberbullied.
Don't
- Attack others online, or say anything that could be considered insulting.
- Don't go near your computer if you're feeling angry or negative. You're more likely to do something impulsive that you can't take back.
- Try not to use sarcasm in your messages. When people can't hear your tone of voice and see your body language, they might not understand that you are joking.
- Don't try to resolve conflicts online.
- Never cyberbully back in an attempt to get revenge. This only makes the problem bigger.
- Don't forward anyone's email address or personal information (including photographs) without their permission.
Remember
If you wouldn't say it in person, dont say it online.
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