What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying is any type of harassment that occurs through e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging or websites. Anyone can be bullied and anyone can be a bully. The following videos show recorded events that have gone viral after being uploaded to the world wide web. These videos made national and international headlines and the individuals have had their unfortunate experiences broadcasted to the world.
|
|
Viral Video - Woman Falls into Fountain - YouTubeThis video of a woman falling into a fountain while texting went viral after being uploaded to the internet. Although this woman's unfortunate splash is the result of her own technological distraction, cameras were recording her as she tripped into the fountain. If you listen carefully to the video, you can hear people laughing at the woman as they watch the video.
Was it ethical to post this video online? Is it okay to laugh at this video and share it with others? |
Viral Video - Kid Beats up Bully - YouTubeThis video is an example of cyberbullying because another student is recording the premeditated event. The camera influences the bully to attack his victim as other students watch. To the bully's surprise, the victim defends himself by picking up and slamming down his attacker. The fear and shock of the crowd can be felt as the bully's body slams on the cement floor.
Some people are standing around in the video, supporting the bully while others try to pass by without getting involved. How does this participation or avoidance contribute to the bully's behavior? If you were at this scene when it happened, what would you do? |
(Viewer Discretion Advised.) This video contains violence, ouch!
|
Effects of Cyber Bullying
- Behavioral changes in cyberbully victims
- Return to scene, continued victimization
- Cyberbully others for empowerment
- Depression, fear, anger
- Withdrawal from activities and use of technology
- Giving away tech tools (MP3 players, CDs,Xbox & games, etc.)
- Suicidal ideation
How to Prevent Cyber Bullying
- Block communication with cyberbullies
- Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult
- Do not forward messages or responding to cyber bullying
STOP cyberbullying Campaign
Click here to visit the STOP cyberbullying home page
Keep personal information private
Stop, block and tell
Google yourself
Take 5
Take a stand against cyberbullying
Practice the Golden Rule
Stop, block and tell
Google yourself
Take 5
Take a stand against cyberbullying
Practice the Golden Rule
Additional Notes
- Cyberbullying is when one person is targeted by another using the internet or other technologies
- Attacks can be through direct attempts, such as personal messages or by proxy, using accomplices or fraud
- Cyberbullying methods are limitless, usually not a one time incident and can include direct threats of harm
- May result in misdemeanor cyber-harrassment charges, loss of online access
- Schools can intervene and educate students about online etiquette
