The Basics

What is it?

Cyberbullying is online harassment and/or threats.

Cyberbullies:

• spread rumors and gossip
• post pictures of someone on a web site without their consent
• harass or threaten with mean or bad language
• steal passwords to assume someone else’s identity online…using E-mail, online journals, text messaging, web sites, and even cell phones (cameras and text messaging).

Why does it happen?

Some teens say and do terrible things to each other online because they don’t always get a direct response from the person being bullied. They don’t see immediate consequences of their cruel actions. In addition, the sheer vastness and anonymity of the Internet makes them feel like it’s impossible to get caught.

What can you do if it happens to you?

• Do not respond. Showing them your distressed and emotional side will only fuel their fire.
• Save the evidence. Don’t delete the E-mail or chat/text conversation so you can show it to the proper authorities if necessary.
• Tell an adult you trust. Tell a parent, guardian, teacher, or Club staff member. If you’re worried about your safety, report the incident to the police.
• Report it to your Internet Service Provider or cell phone service provider.

Can it be prevented?

Cyberbullying cannot be prevented 100%, but these are some ways to lessen the chances of it happening to you:

• Keep your private information private like your full name, address, and phone number. But you also shouldn’t give out too much other personal information in online journals and E-mails.
• Make sure your chat and text program account security levels are adequate so you don’t receive messages from random people and your profile isn’t available to the world.
• Don’t give out your password; make your password strong and change it often.
• Be respectful online just as you would in person.