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, are not real bullying. Since bullying is, by definition, constant and repetitive harassment, "one-time things" are just part of drama that sometimes happens.
That's not to say that these events can't be just as hurtful or are acceptable. It just means that if the would be bully immediately apologizes and knows what they did was unjust, there is no need to tell the entire school. Who knows, maybe the "bully" was having a rough day, was auto-corrected, or there wording did not sound quite as mean in their head. Talk out the issue face-to-face with the "bully" and an adult and move on.
That's not to say that these events can't be just as hurtful or are acceptable. It just means that if the would be bully immediately apologizes and knows what they did was unjust, there is no need to tell the entire school. Who knows, maybe the "bully" was having a rough day, was auto-corrected, or there wording did not sound quite as mean in their head. Talk out the issue face-to-face with the "bully" and an adult and move on.
I have been cyber-bullied. What should I do now?
Of course, the first thing you should do is to inform an adult!
After that, you should take some precautions and protect yourself from further harassment. Block the accounts of your cyber-bullies! Make your privacy settings high, so only certain people see what you post! Be sure that you have true friends who will stand up with you when cyber-bullying occurs! Report any further cyber-bullying activity even after you have told a teacher.
You can also communicate with us on our advice page or by email: [email protected]
We will listen to you, and give you personalized suggestions specially tailored to you situation and needs. Your name will remain confidential, as well.
It might also be a good idea to take evidence that cyber-bullying occurred. Although it is nearly impossible to delete something off the internet completely, it can be easily hidden. Take a screen-shot of what the website(s) where hurtful messages have been targeted at you. Print the screen-shot out and keep it in a safe space. If you are unsure how to do this, click on the tutorial here. You can also take a log of when, where, and how often cyber-bullying happens. Although you most likely won't use this evidence, you never know when it may come in handy.
After that, you should take some precautions and protect yourself from further harassment. Block the accounts of your cyber-bullies! Make your privacy settings high, so only certain people see what you post! Be sure that you have true friends who will stand up with you when cyber-bullying occurs! Report any further cyber-bullying activity even after you have told a teacher.
You can also communicate with us on our advice page or by email: [email protected]
We will listen to you, and give you personalized suggestions specially tailored to you situation and needs. Your name will remain confidential, as well.
It might also be a good idea to take evidence that cyber-bullying occurred. Although it is nearly impossible to delete something off the internet completely, it can be easily hidden. Take a screen-shot of what the website(s) where hurtful messages have been targeted at you. Print the screen-shot out and keep it in a safe space. If you are unsure how to do this, click on the tutorial here. You can also take a log of when, where, and how often cyber-bullying happens. Although you most likely won't use this evidence, you never know when it may come in handy.
Should I tell my parents? How do I EVEN go about telling them?
DEFINITELY tell your parents! Many teens don't bother, and it can hurt them. Just because they aren't always as tech-savvy as we are, doesn't mean that they can't be helpful! They deserve to know, and will ultimately want to help you through this difficult time. And trust me when I say, I know from experience that angry moms will get what they want for their kids' safety and education.
If your nervous about telling them, take along a friend or a sibling to the conversation. Show them on a computer what has happened. And don't be afraid to get emotional, because they will love you anyway.
If your nervous about telling them, take along a friend or a sibling to the conversation. Show them on a computer what has happened. And don't be afraid to get emotional, because they will love you anyway.
How do I recover emotionally?
Most importantly, give yourself time to heal, and try these suggestions:
Keep your true friends close. Hug a pillow, scream into it, and pet your cat or dog. Getting emotional is normal, not a bad thing. Remind yourself about all the virtues you have, such as your smile, your talent on the field, or your great personality. Keep busy and don't give yourself time to worry about what others think. The only opinion about you that really matters is your own! Think positively; time does not stand still, and this hard time in your life shall pass.
Take some time to talk about your feelings with your favorite teacher or guidance consoler. They will keep your personal information private and releasing your emotions can be refreshing. It can be a good thing to talk to friends as well, but finding a space to talk privately can be a challenge.
You can also communicate with us on our advice page. We will listen to you, and give you personalized suggestions for what you can do to recover.
Keep your true friends close. Hug a pillow, scream into it, and pet your cat or dog. Getting emotional is normal, not a bad thing. Remind yourself about all the virtues you have, such as your smile, your talent on the field, or your great personality. Keep busy and don't give yourself time to worry about what others think. The only opinion about you that really matters is your own! Think positively; time does not stand still, and this hard time in your life shall pass.
Take some time to talk about your feelings with your favorite teacher or guidance consoler. They will keep your personal information private and releasing your emotions can be refreshing. It can be a good thing to talk to friends as well, but finding a space to talk privately can be a challenge.
You can also communicate with us on our advice page. We will listen to you, and give you personalized suggestions for what you can do to recover.
What if dangerous threats have been made to me online?
Well, first let's define a dangerous threat. A dangerous threat is made by a person who says that they intend to harm you physically, whether they mean it or not. You need to tell your school officials IMMEDIATELY. Even if they are "just-kidding," it is especially important to let the school know what is happening if threats are made. If they are bad enough, law enforcement may have to take over.
What should I do about "sexting?" Is it considered cyber-bullying?
Sexting is the action of sending, receiving, or asking for nude pictures. It can be highly dangerous to your reputation, and, if it is bad enough, you can spend time in jail for sexting.
If you are a minor (under the age of 18) any nude pictures you send of yourself is considered child pornography. Having possession of child pornography, either a physical picture or digitally, is ILLEGAL. If you are over the age of 18, possession of child pornography can put you on the sex-offender list and you may have to serve possible jail time.
So what can you do if you have been sexted?
Never send a sext back! Even if they promise that they will delete it, keep it secret, or it's a "snap-chat," those pictures can (and most likely) come back to haunt you. It's another quick and easy way to ruin your reputation with just a few clicks.
Delete all nude pictures you receive as soon as possible. Ask the "sext-er" to stop sending you pictures or requesting you for sexts. Make sure that they understand the risks of sexting and that it makes you uncomfortable. If they continue, end your relationship with that person, block their number, and be sure that you report all further activity.
If you are a minor (under the age of 18) any nude pictures you send of yourself is considered child pornography. Having possession of child pornography, either a physical picture or digitally, is ILLEGAL. If you are over the age of 18, possession of child pornography can put you on the sex-offender list and you may have to serve possible jail time.
So what can you do if you have been sexted?
Never send a sext back! Even if they promise that they will delete it, keep it secret, or it's a "snap-chat," those pictures can (and most likely) come back to haunt you. It's another quick and easy way to ruin your reputation with just a few clicks.
Delete all nude pictures you receive as soon as possible. Ask the "sext-er" to stop sending you pictures or requesting you for sexts. Make sure that they understand the risks of sexting and that it makes you uncomfortable. If they continue, end your relationship with that person, block their number, and be sure that you report all further activity.