On this page, all information is listed under categories, so you can "skim" though to find the information you need.
What is the very first step I should take?
The MOST IMPORTANT thing that you should do in a cyber-bullying situation (or any bullying situation) is to tell a trusted adult. Yes, you probably already knew that, since that's what you have been taught since kindergarten, but we as teenagers often think it would only make the situation worse.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
All staff-members, form teachers, to principles, to custodians, have a legal obligation to your safety. It's their job to help you solve your problems.
But speaking up to a teacher or the guidance counselor can be a difficult thing to do. Try telling a trustworthy friend about what's been going on. They can give you support and, perhaps, talk to a teacher with you.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
All staff-members, form teachers, to principles, to custodians, have a legal obligation to your safety. It's their job to help you solve your problems.
But speaking up to a teacher or the guidance counselor can be a difficult thing to do. Try telling a trustworthy friend about what's been going on. They can give you support and, perhaps, talk to a teacher with you.
What should I do about a "one-time-thing?"
"One-time-only" occurrences, such as a rude text or a bad comment, aren't really bullying; bullying, by definition, is constant and repetitive harassment, "one-time things" are just part of drama that sometimes happens.
But it doesn't give you the right to say anything rude or harmful. Sometimes, you send a message when you are angry, jealous, or frustrated with the other person. But other times, it's on accident. Most, if not all of us have said something online, but it comes out wrong. Maybe you were being sarcastic, or you forgot a word, or perhaps you where "auto-corrected" into saying something hurtful.
If you do send out a hurtful message online, either on accident or out of anger, take a moment to calm down. Your apology will be more sincere if you don't show the anger or frustration you may have with the other person. Tell the person your sorry, in person is better then online, and delete the comment if you can. Now that you have you are sorry, you have to mean it. Do your best to avoid this situation again by thinking before you click the send button.
But it doesn't give you the right to say anything rude or harmful. Sometimes, you send a message when you are angry, jealous, or frustrated with the other person. But other times, it's on accident. Most, if not all of us have said something online, but it comes out wrong. Maybe you were being sarcastic, or you forgot a word, or perhaps you where "auto-corrected" into saying something hurtful.
If you do send out a hurtful message online, either on accident or out of anger, take a moment to calm down. Your apology will be more sincere if you don't show the anger or frustration you may have with the other person. Tell the person your sorry, in person is better then online, and delete the comment if you can. Now that you have you are sorry, you have to mean it. Do your best to avoid this situation again by thinking before you click the send button.
I have cyber-bullied others. What should I do now?
First take a moment, think about why you may have cyber-bullied. What emotions did you have while cyber-bullying? Jealousy? Anger? Frustration? Whatever emotion caused you to cyber-bully, it's Okay to feel that way. And to prevent yourself from being a cyber-bully again, you should find ways to overcome your emotions in less destructive ways.
You also should apologize to whoever you have cyber-bullied. In person is the best way to do so, but a formal letter can also work. Bring a friend for moral support. Posting an informal apology to anonymous people, such as "I've been a real jerk lately, I'm very sorry if I have hurt any of you." can be helpful if you can't talk you everyone. Delete as many posts, comments, and pictures that may have resulted in cyber-bullying as you can.
After you apologize to others, apologize to yourself. You made some bad choices about what you say online, but you've done your best to make it right. It's Okay that you made bad choices, we all do and no one is perfect. Forgive yourself and start a fresh, bullying free, chapter of your life!
You also should apologize to whoever you have cyber-bullied. In person is the best way to do so, but a formal letter can also work. Bring a friend for moral support. Posting an informal apology to anonymous people, such as "I've been a real jerk lately, I'm very sorry if I have hurt any of you." can be helpful if you can't talk you everyone. Delete as many posts, comments, and pictures that may have resulted in cyber-bullying as you can.
After you apologize to others, apologize to yourself. You made some bad choices about what you say online, but you've done your best to make it right. It's Okay that you made bad choices, we all do and no one is perfect. Forgive yourself and start a fresh, bullying free, chapter of your life!
How do I recover emotionally?
Remind yourself that you are a good person. True, at the time when you where a cyber-bully, you weren't at your greatest. But you have made the right apologies, and you can move on.
It will take you some time to heal, but you can make a full recovery. Talk about your feelings with friends and family. Ask for help from them or a teacher. Keep yourself busy. Don't let yourself slip into thinking about your past. Think towards the future. Maybe you could even reach out to others. Tell them about your experiences, and let your voice be herd in the fight against bullying. You can help us achieve cyber-peace! I know from experience that by helping others, you help yourself.
It will take you some time to heal, but you can make a full recovery. Talk about your feelings with friends and family. Ask for help from them or a teacher. Keep yourself busy. Don't let yourself slip into thinking about your past. Think towards the future. Maybe you could even reach out to others. Tell them about your experiences, and let your voice be herd in the fight against bullying. You can help us achieve cyber-peace! I know from experience that by helping others, you help yourself.