The Cyber Bully

The cyberbully is someone who uses the internet to harass, intimidate, embarrass, or stalk another person. Emails, instant messaging, digital photos, text messages sent via cell phones, and any other electronic communication can be used. The cyberbully may send:

Angry, argumentative messages, often vulgar

Threats and false promises

The cyberbully may also

Publicly post secrets and embarrassing information, including pictures

Post gossip and rumors soley to damage her target's reputation

Send messages pretending to be the victim in order to damage the victim's friendships

A Cyberbully is often also a bully in face-to-face encounters. Bullying over the computer is a natural extension of their destructive behavior. However some may be only 'getting back at the world' because they have been victims of bullying. Cyberspace is a safe place for them to take out their anger and frustration. They may target people who have bullied them or they may pick target they think they can dominate because the Internet seems to give anonymity. And then there are others who regard cyberbullying as a game -- nothing more than a fun thing to do.

---- Net Nanny ad here----

Children are usually the victims of cyberbullies, but many adults can be victims as well. As a rule, a cyberbully will know his victim but occasionally he will target someone he doesn't know but may be someone who is of a different political belief, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or just someone who is “not cool.” Maybe the target has posted a message the bully didn’t like.

Look for warning Signs that your Child may be a Victim of a Cyberbully, things like:

displaying signs of depression, sadness, anxiety or fear after she uses the cell phone or after being online

avoiding friends, activities, or school

experiencing difficulty with school or grades falling off for no apparent reason

making subtle comments that indicate he is disturbed or upset

-----Cyber Sitter ad here----

If your child has been targeted don't retaliate, it may only escalate the problem. However, help your child develop an appropriate response, asking the cyberbully to stop. Filter email, instant messages and text messages so that you can cut off ways the cyberbully contacts your child. Instruct your child to avoid the sites and groups where the attacks occur. If the harassment continues, change your child's email address, Internet account, and usernames. Should a physical threat be made, the police should be contacted immediately. If none of these steps don't work, take additional action by:

Compiling a copy of all harassing messages and postings and addresses of web sites where hostile information, embarrassing pictures or negative messages are posted. The more documentation you can save the better. Contacting your child's school. Officials there may be able to assist even if the cyberbullying is not occurring in school. Contacting the bully's parents. In many cases, they will be unaware of their child's behavior. Send them a registered letter detailing the messages and asking them to make the bullying stop. They could be held liable for financial and emotional damages. And finally, if the situation is not resolved, contact the police.