Cyber bullies warned in anti-bullying campaign

TECHNOLOGICAL crimes are in focus as phase two of Brighton Beach SAPS’ anti-bullying campaign kicks into gear.

Headed by media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, the ‘be a buddy, not a bully’ campaign calls on local pupils from grades 8 to 12 to stop bullying their fellows.

The second phase, which focuses on cyber bullying, includes information sessions and a brochure developed by the captain.

“Cyber bullying is the use of information and communication technology to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour by an individual or group intended to harm another or others,” said Capt Le Roux.

During the campaign, pupils were warned to think before they send or post any text, images or videos to blogs, websites or forums.

She provided the following details on the types of cyber bullying:

* Gossip – Posting or sending cruel messages that tarnish another person’s reputation, relationships or self-confidence.

* Threats – Threatening or creating the impression that acts of violence will be enacted on them, causing anxiety and stress.

* Harassment – Posting or sending offensive, insulting or mean messages repeatedly.

* Exclusion – Intentionally excluding others from an online group.

* Impersonation – Creating fake accounts to exploit people. When accounts are hacked they send or post images, videos or text threats which harm the reputation of the individual.

* Stalking – Harassing others by constantly sending emails, messages or tagging others in posts they don’t want to be tagged in.

* Trickery – Using various methods to create trust, resulting in the victim revealing secrets or embarrassing information about themselves. This is then circulated online.

* Flaming – Using hateful or offensive messages on various websites, forums or blogs.