What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. By definition, it occurs among young people. When an adult is involved, it may meet the definition of cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking, a crime that can have legal consequences and involve jail time.

Sometimes cyberbullying can be clear-cut. For example, leaving overtly cruel cell phone text messages or mean notes posted to Web sites. Other acts are less obvious, such as impersonating a victim online or posting personal information or videos designed to hurt or embarrass another child.

To read more click here.

alternate-theories.blogspot.com

The biggest thing to remember concerning cyberbullying and your online ettiquette is to remember the golden rule:

"Treat others the way you would want to be treated."

Here's how:

1. Make sure to think before you post. You always want your communications to be appropriate and non-offensive.
   
2. Don't say anything hurtful or rude even if you are not face to face with the person you are speaking with.
   
3. Cool off before responding to messages in anger.
4. Respect others' privacy.
5. Do not use swear words in your correspondence.
   
6. Don't forward other people's communications without thier permission.

Image from middleschooladvisory101.blogspot.com

1.     Allman, Toney , Mean Behind the Screen: What You Need to Know About Cyberbullying  Mankato, Mn: Compass Point Books. 2009

2.     Jacobs, Thomas. Teen Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences Begin? Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. 2010

3.  Carroll, Jamuna, Editor. Opposing View Point: School Policies. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. 2008

4. Dori Hillestad Butler. The Truth about Truman School. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company. 2009 (Fiction)

For Teachers:

1.     Rogers, Vanessa. Cyberbullying: Activities to Help Children and Teens to Stay Safe in a Texting, Twittering, Social Networking World. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010

Kidshealth.org- This website has a great article about cyberbullying that gives a definition, examples of cyberbullying and discusses signs of a victim.

stopcyberbullying.org- Awesome resource for parents, teachers and students! Students may click on their age group and learn lots of facts about cyberbullying and online etiquette and take a quiz on whether or not they are a part of the cyberbullying problem.

Signs of Cyberbullying

Many kids and teens who are cyberbullied are reluctant to tell a teacher or parent, often because they feel ashamed of the social stigma, or because they fear their computer privileges will be taken away at home.

The signs that a child is being cyberbullied vary, but a few things to look for are:

• signs of emotional distress during or after using the Internet
• withdrawal from friends and activities
• avoidance of school or group gatherings
• slipping grades and "acting out" in anger at home
• changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite

To read more click here.

santaclaracountylib.org

Signs a child may be the bully:

• He or she may use numerous online accounts or accounts that are not theirs
• When using the computer or electronic device, he or she excessively laughs
• May avoid discussion or conversations regarding online activities
• May close or click out whatever he or she is doing when a person walks by
• May frequently use the computer, especially at night
• May become upset if computer access or other electronic device is denied