Cyber bullying is bullying through the use of technology (i.e. cell phone, instant messaging, chat rooms, websites, e-mail, digital messaging, etc.) It is different from traditional bullying because it can occur 24/7, invades the home or personal space of someone, the audience can be very large and reached quickly, and people who cyber bully may attempt to remain anonymous.
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Some examples of cyber bullying are:
Flaming - Online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language
Harassment - Repeatedly sending nasty, mean, and insulting messages
Denigration - Sending or posting gossip or rumors about a person to damage his/her reputation or friendships
Impersonation - Pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material to get that person in trouble or in danger; or to damage that person's reputation or friendships
Outing - Sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information or images online
Trickery - Talking someone into revealing secrets from an online group
Exclusion - Intentionally and cruelly excluding someone from an online group
Cyberstalking - Repeated, intense harassment and denigration that includes threats or creates significant fear
Virginia Department of Education, 2008
Warning Signs
- Depression
- Subtle changes in behavior may indicate potential problems that should be discussed
- Isolation could indicate a more severe stage of emotional crisis
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What do you do if your child is being cyber bullied?
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