Cyberbullying

Did you know that cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones?  It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. (www.stopcyberbullying.org)  Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyberstalking is NEVER called cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying occurs when teens use communication technology to say hurtful, embarrassing, or threatening things about another teen. It can be very emotionally damaging to teens, and can have legal consequences for teens and parents. There are many types of cyberbullying, including:

  • Sending mean messages to a person
  • Spreading rumors or lies about someone online
  • Excluding someone from online social groups
  • Creating a web site to make fun of someone
  • Threatening or harassing someone online
  • Tricking someone into sharing secrets and then spreading that information around
  • Breaking into someone else’s account and using it to send mean or hurtful messages
  • Taking pictures of a person and sharing them online without the person’s consent

Cyberbullying can have a devastating affect on it’s victims.  I found the tragic story of Jeffery Johnston who committed suicide after a year of being bullied and it broke my heart.  His mother is to be commended. Because of her relentless efforts, Florida  passed a law – “Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act” prohibiting bullying and harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution;  requiring each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting such bullying and harassment.
I had the privilege of co-presenting with Mark A. Johnson, Motivational Speaker. Bullying Expert and owner of Life To The Brim. Mark acted out a dramatization followed by a mini-role play with a brave student focused on empowering the victim, by showing them how to handle verbal and psychological bullying. He calls this presentation a “High Impact Dramatization Experience”. It was powerful and effective. It was the last presentation of the day and they saved the best for last.  Just ask the students.

My message:

Bully:  Beware.

It’s against the law.  Find ways to channel you anger.  Journal, turn off your computer/phone and call a friend for support

Victims:  Be Empowered.

Take Action. Save the evidence. Block the bully. Tell an adult. If you’re threatened, call the police.

Bystanders: Be A Hero.

Stand up to a bully.  Be a friend to the victim.  Take screenshots of the abuse. Report it. Don’t pass it on.