Anyone with an internet connection or cell phone can cyber-bully someone else, often without having to reveal their true identity.
This is the warning of the SA Police Services on its website www.saps.gov.za
Cyber bullying occurs when someone uses the internet, emails, text messages, instant messaging, social media websites, online forums, chat rooms or other digital technology to harass, threaten or humiliate another person.
The methods these bullies use can be as varied and imaginative as the technology they have access to.
It ranges from sending threatening or taunting messages through email or text, to breaking into your email account or stealing your online identity to hurt and humiliate you or create a website or social media page to target you.
These cyber bullies can torment their victims 24 hours a day through these mediums and with a few clicks the humiliation can be witnessed by hundreds or even thousands of people online.
The police’s website provided tips for someone dealing with cyber bullying:
- do not respond to a post of an email because if someone bullies you they require some reaction and it is this reaction that usually gives the bully power over the victim.
- Do not retaliate and break the cycle of aggression because responding with similar threats reinforces the bully’s behaviour.
- Save the evidence if further action is taken. Online messages can usually be captured, saved and shown to someone who can help.
- Use preferences or privacy tools to block the person and if the bullying happens while you are chatting, leave the “room.”
- Report any abusive comments to the social media website administrators.
- Reach out for professional help.
The website also says that no matter how much pain cyber bullying causes, children and teenagers are often reluctant to tell parents or teachers about it.
The warning signs of cyber bullying may be:
- the child becomes sad, angry or distressed during or after using the internet or a cell phone.
- He or she may also appears anxious when receiving a text, email or have been on social media websites.
- The child may also avoid discussions or is secretive about his computer or cell phone activities.
- The child withdraws from family, friends and activities they previously enjoyed.
- He or she may also refuse to go to school or to specific classes or avoids group activities.
- The child also has changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety.
The website www.endcyberbullying.org says cyber bullying is more common than perceived.
It advised carers to be an active bystander by playing a key role in stopping and preventing cyber bullying.
Because cyber bullies depend on bystanders to support them or do nothing to stop them, they advise if you witness cyber bullying, do not join in, nor stand by idly.
You can:
- document if you see cyber bullying online.
- Don’t encourage the behaviour, even if it is easy to fall under the peer pressure.
- Don’t forward hurtful messages.
- Don’t laugh at inappropriate jokes.
