What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is threatening, traumatic, humiliating or embarrassing actions against a young person using e-mails, texts or images sent on cell phones, web pages, web logs (blogs) & chat rooms, by another child.

The cyberbully and victim may change roles between victim & bully. Cyberbullying can be very traumatic for the young person because technology is everywhere in their lives.

Cyberbullying is not usually a one-off action, unless it involves a death threat or threat of serious harm.

How cyberbullying works

Cyberbullying occurs through messages sent directly to the victim, or forwarded on from others.

Finding a solution

Encourage your child not to respond to the cyber bullying.

Keep the messages or pictures to use as evidence.

Try to identify the cyberbully. You may be able to track them through your Internet Service Provider.

Inappropriate language may breach the “Terms and Conditions” of e-mail services, Internet Service Providers, web sites, and cell phone companies. Consider contacting these providers to file a complaint.

It may be possible to block further contact from the Cyberbully when emails or texts are used.

Contact your school, particularly if this is being sent using the school’s internet system, as they will be required to get involved. Even if it is not through the school’s internet system, they should be made aware.

Contact the cyberbully’s parents as they probably don’t know this is occurring. Provide evidence and ask them to intervene.

If you would like to download a copy of this information,  click here for a PDF copy