The Internet has created a false sense of anonymity and an ease of sharing information that has fueled cyberbullying. For an act to be considered cyberbullying, it has to be an intentional repetitive act sent on an electronic device that is meant to cause harm to another person.
These acts include spreading rumors, sending threats or hurtful comments, or sharing compromising videos or pictures of the victim. In the cyber world a bully doesn’t have to be stronger or bigger, the power lies in their typed words or the information or picture in their possession. For more information visit https://cyberbullying.org/.
Warning Signs A Child May Be a Target of Cyberbullying If They:
- Stop using their device
- Spend less time with peers
- Lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy
- Refuse to talk about their online activities
- Appear nervous or jumpy when using their device
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Appear uneasy about going to school or outside
- Appear to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after going online
- Become withdrawn or depressed
- Talk about suicide
- Increase in absences or early pick up from school due to illness
A Child May Be Cyberbullying Others If He or She:
- Hides online activities
- Uses device late at night
- Has multiple online accounts with fake names
- Refuses to talk about their online activities
- Laughs while using their device, but won’t discuss what is so funny
- Becomes withdrawn or isolated
- Has anger outbursts when unable to find their device
- Starts to hang out with the “wrong” crowd
- Appears overly concerned with popularity or continued presence in a particular social circle or status
- Increase in behavioral issues and violent tendenciesInsensitive to peers
