Cyber bullying
What is Cyber Bullying ?
When a person or a group of people use the internet, mobile phones, online games or any other kind of digital technology to threaten, tease, upset or humiliate someone else this is a form of bullying. It is not acceptable and should not be happening.
If you are receiving abusive or offensive messages it is important to tell someone. click here for further advice.
Is it a crime?
Cyber bullying is considered as one of the most common online crimes. Recently there has been a focus on investing more resources to help investigate cases of cyber bullying. It is becoming more and more likely that those who bully others over the internet will be caught and held accountable for their actions.
It is increasingly likely that people who abuse others over the internet will be caught and punished by law and could even end up with a criminal record which could remain with them for many years. Cyber bullies are often easily identified as they leave a digital footprint
I'm being cyber bullied, how can I make it stop?
You shouldn't have to deal with bullying alone - talk to someone you trust like a parent, carer or teacher. They can help you report the bullying and be there to listen to you.
Having someone to talk things through with is really important - it can make you feel less alone and more confident to deal with the situation.
You can also call Childline 0800 11 11 or look in the section for other services which can help
- Remember to keep a copy of any abusive texts, emails, comments or messages that you receive and record the date and time they were sent. With cyber bullying there is always a trail and keeping records can be very useful when it comes to reporting the bullying.
- Try not to reply to any messages you receive. It can encourage the bullies and end up upsetting you more. It could also offer a defence for the bullies behaviour as they could suggest you encouraged them.
- Do not be tempted to respond with abusive messages in return, however difficult this is, as this will make you as bad as they are.
- Never give out any personal details on the internet - your real name, address, age or phone number. Even telling someone which school you go to can help them find out more about you.
- If you are being bullied on a social network you could think about whether you want to delete your profile or make it temporarily inactive.
- You can block email address or chat users if you are being bullied by email or instant messenger.