Cyber Bullying
Scripture: So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them… Matthew 7:12
Cyberbullying is anything that gets posted online and is meant to hurt, harass, upset, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. It is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It occurs through SMS, text, social media, or even gaming. It includes photos or messages. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else that causes embarrassment or humiliation.
Being bullied never feels good, and according to UNICEF:
When bullying happens online, it can feel as if you’re being attacked everywhere, even inside your own home. It can seem like there’s no escape. The effects can last a long time and affect a person in many ways, including:
- Mentally – feeling upset, embarrassed, stupid, even afraid or angry
- Emotionally – feeling ashamed or losing interest in the things you love
- Physically – tired (from lack of sleep) or experiencing symptoms like stomach aches and headaches
As we seek to prevent and stop this deadly crisis, here are some tips to help our children (this list is by no means exhaustive).
We must:
- Talk regularly with our children about online issues. Let them know they can come to us for help if anything is inappropriate, upsetting, or dangerous
- Create a safe space at home, school, and church where children and teens feel encouraged to talk about what is happening to them
Encourage our children to:
- Tell someone—an adult they trust (a pastor, family member, teacher, guidance counselor, neighbour)
- Resist the urge to retaliate or respond. Responding when they’re upset can make things worse
- Report bullying. If users report abuse, the site administrator may block the bully from using the site in the future. If someone sends them mean texts or emails, encourage them to not hide it but tell someone who can report it to the service provider
- Block the bully. Most devices have settings that allow electronic blocking of bullies
- Practise safety online. Encourage them to use passwords to protect their smartphones and their online sites, and change their passwords often. They should share their passwords only with their parents or guardians. Remind them to never, ever share their passwords with anyone—not even their closest friends.
- Protect their accounts. Be wise about sharing personal information or photos/videos that they don’t want the world to see. Once they’ve posted a photo or message, it can be hard or even impossible to delete.
- Save the evidence. Capture, save, and show the evidence to someone who can help.
Note:
Children and teenagers who are cyberbullied may be embarrassed or hesitant to tell someone else, so nothing is done and the situation escalates. Encourage them not to suffer in silence but to report any upsetting texts, messages, posts, or emails.
