How do I deal with...

Stand up and speak out!

Cyberbullying is using technology to deliberately and repeatedly bully someone. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and can leave you feeling unsafe and alone.

It can include:

• abusive texts and emails
• posting unkind message or images
• imitating others online
• Excluding others online
• inapproriate image tagging
• inappropriate discussions.

Remember, treat others as you would like to be treated when socialising online

How is it different to face-to-face bullying?

While cyberbullying is similar to face-to-face bullying, it also differs in the following ways:

• the bully can have a sense of being anonymous
• it can occur 24/7 and be difficult to escape
• it is invasive and you can be targeted while at home
• it can have a large audience - sent to groups or posted on a public forum which can be permanent.

How do I deal with it?

• don’t retaliate or respond, no matter how tempting
• block the person doing the bullying and change your privacy settings
• report it - click the report abuse button
• collect the evidence - keep mobile phone messages and print emails or social networking conversations
• talk to someone you trust, like a family member or friend.

Talking to your teachers or parents can make a difference. Your school may have policies in place to deal with bullying and cyberbullying.

What do you do if your friend is being bullied online?

While it can be hard to know if your friends are being cyberbullied if you see or know about cyberbullying happening to a friend:

• don’t forward messages or pictures
• though you may not have started it, you will become part of the cyberbullying cycle
• stand up and speak out - tell a trusted adult
• support your friend and report the bullying.