Cyberbullying

According to StopBullying.gov, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can happen via text message and within apps, on social media, forums, and gaming sites. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Signs that a child may be a victim of cyberbullying include:

• Avoiding the computer, cellphone, and other technological devices or appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text
• Withdrawing from family and friends or acting reluctant to attend school and social events
• Avoiding conversations about computer use
• Exhibiting signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear
• Has declining grades
• Has poor eating or sleeping habits

Discussions about positive, healthy habits online should start early and happen often. Use these discussion starters to get the conversation started.

Ask

Reinforce

If you see something online that's meant to hurt someone, don't "like" or share it. Think about how you'd feel if someone did that to you.

It's OK not to like someone. It's not OK to bully them.

If someone cyberbullies you, you may want to send a mean comment back, but it could make this worse. Instead, save the evidence and report it.

Being a good digital citizen means standing up for others. Take steps to help peers being cyberbullied (eg., post nice comments, sit with them at lunch, report the harassment, etc.).