Tips for Dealing With Cyber Bullies |
Posted: February 22, 2018 |
Cyber bullying is serious. It can cause all of the psychological damage of in-person bullying, but it can do so more pervasively and for a longer period of time, ruining a child’s reputation long before he or she reaches adulthood. Ditch the Label estimates that 17 percent of children and teens have experienced cyberbullying before the age of 25. Reports of children and teens harming themselves or even taking their own lives due to this form of harassment and abuse are on the rise. Here’s what you can do if someone is trying to bully you digitally or if you know someone who is a target of cyber bullying. 1.Don’t respond or retaliate. It can be very tempting to respond in a nasty tone or post something humiliating in an attempt to get revenge, but doing so can make the situation worse. Instead, take screenshots of the event and every attempt the person makes to contact you or to talk to others about you thereafter. Ask people you trust to keep an eye out and to take screenshots as well. 2.Screen, block and report. Most social media platforms have tools you can use to make your account private, block people who are harassing you, and report their behavior. Using these is a strong first step toward protecting your mental health and standing up to a bully. Some sites, like Facebook, even have the option to “suspend” your account for a period of time, so that you can take a necessary step away. 3.Talk about what’s happening. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about what was said, or to admit that you’re hurt or angry “over something on the Internet.” Talking about what happened and how you feel, however, can be one of the most powerful tools you have. Talking helps in two ways. First, it helps you put the events into perspective and to re-connect with people who like you and believe in you. Second, it helps raise awareness of the negative effects of cyber bulling and how this kind of mistreatment is not okay. 4. Know when to contact the authorities. If you’re facing some name-calling or similar behavior, blocking and reporting the user might be all you need. If the other person is making threats, sharing your name and contact information, or otherwise making you feel genuinely afraid for your safety, it’s important to contact the authorities as soon as you can. 5. Consider a face to face conversation. When someone you know in person is bullying you online, it can be tempting to pretend it’s not happening. Confronting the person face to face, however, removes the feeling of power that the remote nature of the Internet can provide. For instance, if you are being bullied by a classmate, consider asking a teacher to host a mediation between you and the person who is harassing you. Take this step only if you feel safe doing so. If you do not feel safe talking to the bully in person, tell an adult or authority figure. 6. Seek out ways to restore your own sense of balance and self-respect. After locking down your social media accounts and taking screenshots as needed, step away from the Internet for a while. Spend time with people you like and trust, read a book, enjoy one of your hobbies, or just spend some time with yourself. One of the most invasive elements of cyberbullying is the way that it is accessible anywhere, from any device. By reconnecting with people and activities you love away from the Internet, you can restore your sense of perspective and build your own understanding of yourself as someone worthy of respect. Finally, if you or someone you love is the target of a bully who uses online tools to get to you or spread lies about you to others, there is help. New Jersey and other states have laws and resources that can help you fight back.
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