Cyberbullying Class Wiki Project

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(created by class of 2010) (edited by class of 2011)

Cyberbullying is a very serious topic that is sweeping across the globe. Most people say that ignoring a bully is the best thing to do, but when they follow you into your home and badger you relentlessly and there is nothing you can do about it except never go near a computer, phone, or a school, your life can be destroyed. A definition of Cyberbullying is the act of bullying on the online world, without proper use of netiquette. The difference from normal bullying is that it could be anyone online and can be very anonymous. There is no physical harm done in cyberbullying, but the goal is to wear down the victim emotionally and psychologically.

Types of Cyberbullying

Cyber Stalking

Cyber stalking is the online equivalent of stalking a person in reality. Cyber stalking occurs when a person searches for specific people and their personal information, photos, etc., which is an abuse of information accessibility and extremely disrespectful to a person's privacy. People often cyber stalk when they feel uncomfortable with asking for the information face-to-face or simply because they want to know things about a person without them finding out for one reason or another.

Flaming

Flaming is described as the equivalent of bashing someone face to face. It involves the hateful intercommunication between users in various places on the Internet. Often, flaming escalates fairly quickly, and comments can become rather personal and harsh. Flaming occurs most often in discussion forums, and it usually involves the attacking of someone's own personal view. There are a few terms that involve flaming as well, such as: Flamebait, flamers, and flame wars. Flaming can go to extreme lengths sometimes, and it definitely plays a part in cyberbullying.

Flamebait is described as a situation in which someone purposely posts a sort of comment that is intended to provoke hateful or even defensive response. Another word for flamebait is trolling.

Flamers are usually the people that are posting flamebait. These people are usually looking to provoke fighting online.

Flame wars refers to several different users taking part in hateful discussion, or even trying to stop it.

Targeting

Targeting refers to the act of purposely singling someone out online and causing harm onto him/her. This can come in many different forms, even to the extent in which a victim is being discluded from a discussion online. In addition, targeting can refer to inviting other people online to join and make fun of a victim as well. A common example of this are hate groups on Facebook or making a specific YouTube video hating on a particular person. Specifically, targeting someone to the point where they feel attacked even in their homes-a usual place of safety-is extremely horrible, and has been the cause for some suicides. This concept can also be related to the offline world of bullying where the bully can harm the victim more in the online world OR the victim gets revenge by targeting the bullying online.

Harassment

In order for something to be considered harassment, it has to be constant, repetitive and offensive. In order for a bullying incident to be cyber bullying, it has to occur online. Therefore, this type of cyber bullying occurs on the internet and is constant, repetitive and offensive. In addition to that, this type of cyber bullying is often long-lasting and one sided. Furthermore, this is one of the simplest types of cyber bullying. Examples of devices that can be used in this category would be cellphones (text-messages) and computers (e-mails, IM, comments on blogs, Facebook, etc.)

Why Do Cyberbullies Do It

When it comes to cyberbullying, perpetrators are usually inspired by anger, revenge or frustration; even stress can be involved. Sometimes they do it for entertainment or either because they are bored. Many do it for laughs or to see what happens. Some do it by mistake and either send a message to the wrong person or didn't think before they sent the message while others do it for feeling powerful. Those people who can’t toughen up, and can't stand for themselves in real life might end up bullying on the internet. Mean girls do it to help bolster or remind people of their own social standing, and some think they are helping people and standing up, but actually aren't. People also cyber bully because they might feel anonymous and send messages online that they would not communicate with in the offline world. Or, they may bully peers at school and continue this bullying online. Children and youth may not fully realize that the Internet is an extremely public space when they’re sending messages from a private place, like their bedroom.

Harmful Effects of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying psychologically affects the victim, and can result in negative emotions, such as anger, embarrassment, and even lead to depression. If the cyberbullying persists and becomes more severe, the victim may even begin considering suicide as a way out. Cyberbullying can also lead to decreased concentration, lower grades, and absences from activities, such as school or work. It can also lower a person's self-esteem, which in turn results in a lack of a confidence in oneself, and changes in mood, behaviour, appetite and sleeping patterns. As revenge, the victim may start targeting the cyberbully, making the situation worse, which can lead both parties to harm.

What to do if you are Being Cyberbullied

Firstly, if you are being cyber bullied, never reply back to their messages. That just makes them more satisfied because they know that they’ve got you worried and upset so they will mess with your mind and build up fear in you. If you are ever are in such a situation of being cyber bullied, ALWAYS tell your parents or an adult you trust. If things go over the limit, make sure you contact your local police. Inform Internet Service Providers(ISPs), which are companies that provide Internet access to consumers. Most ISPs have Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) that clearly define privileges and guidelines for those using their services and the actions that can be taken if those guidelines are violated. ISPs and cell phone service providers can respond to reports of cyber bullying over their networks, or help clients identify the appropriate service provider to notify.

Whenever the cyber bully sends you a messages, do not delete the messages, and never retaliate. The reason being is that it is your evidence. It is not necessary you read it but do not delete it. Especially since the style of writing in those messages can be similar to someone you know, evidently making it easier to identify who is bullying you. Be sure to keep electronic copies and print-outs in case things escalate. Keep records of ISP and law enforcement contacts. Do not alter the electronic communications. Block the harasser after you have made copies of all communication.

Make sure you tell an adult as they will best guide you through this circumstance. You can consult to any kind of adult you trust, preferably a parent, teacher, relative, or counselor. You can also tell a friend to help you contact an adult if you are afraid to do it yourself.

Cyberbullying and the Law

Currently, there are no laws in Canada that address cyberbullying specifically, but some types of cyberbullying are addressed in both civil and criminal laws. Under the civil law, a cyberbully may be charged for a) defamation, slander or libel, b) creating an unsafe environment for the target, or c) any consequences that they might have guessed would happen. In other words, the cyberbully may be charged if they attempt to harm the target's reputation, make the target feel threatened for their safety, and/or exclusion in schools or workplaces, and if they could've guessed the effect of a comment (e.g, suggesting the target to kill themselves). Under the civil law the cyberbully can be sued by the target for these charges.

Under the criminal law, a cyberbully can be charged with defamatory libel and harassment. According to the Criminal Code, harassment includes making the target feel threatened or fear for their own safety, or the safety of others. It is important to note that even if the comment wasn't meant to be threatening, if the target feels threatened, then they can still charge the cyberbully. Harassment charged under the criminal law is punishable by up to 10 years in jail. If the comment can seriously damage the target's reputation, then it is charged under the criminal law and punishable by up to 5 years in jail.

Case Studies

In one case:

A student named Daniel Knight has been bullied, teased, taunted, and punched for many years through his school life. However his life got even worse when someone set up an abusive website about him online. David says: "Rather than just some people, say 30 in a cafeteria, hearing them all yell insults at you, it's up there for 6 billion people to see. Anyone with a computer can see it,and you can't get away from it. It doesn't go away when you come home from school. It made me feel even more trapped." As said in the article: He felt so trapped he decided to leave school and finish his final year of studies at home. Continuing with the case, a friend of David sent him a message telling him to take a look at this website. As he clicked on it, what he saw was a web-page making fun of David Knight. The website was full of hateful comments directed at him and his family, the website also included sexual comments. This website ruined his reputation, he was being accused of being a pedophile and using the date rape drug on little boys. After the website was made, hateful emails followed afterwards. He doesn't realize why he's being picked on, he finds himself the same as another kid. When they interviewed Davids mother she says: "It's a cowardly form of bullying,It's like being stabbed in the back by somebody (and) you have no way of ever finding out who they are, or defending yourself against the words they say. So it's more damaging than a face-to-face confrontation with somebody who is clearly willing to tell you what he or she things of you." As you can see in this case, bullying affects people greatly and can lead someone to isolate them self. Most adults don't understand how greatly cyber bullying affects the children, youth, and teens of today. It is good to inform your parents and adults about the effects of cyber bullying, so promote anti bullying.

To read more on this article click this link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/bullying/cyber_bullying.html

In another case 5 years ago, Megan Meier hanged herself after receiving a message from a boy she liked. She had met the boy online, and exchanged multiple messages with him. But it turned out that the boy wasn't real and was a cover for Lori Drew, who used the cover as a way to find out how Megan felt about her daughter.

In another case, college freshman Tyler Clementi was paired with Dharun Ravi as roommates. Tyler was a homosexual, and Dharun was a prankster who, along with his friend Molly Wei, posted Tyler's homosexual experiences on his Twitter account. When Tyler found, he was disgusted and embarrassed about the posts. After a complaint to his RA which didn't change anything, Tyler jumped off the Greorge Washington Bridge.

Prevention

Even though there are solutions to victims of cyber bullying, it's better to prevent it from happening. Just like the old saying," better to prevent than to cure." The first rule is always protect your personal information online. Try not to put your full name, address, religion, or views online. For the religion and views part, people could make fun of them or start flaming you because they disagree with your view. Putting your address down is just like an invitation for creepers to come into your house. This may seem obvious but a lot of people actually break this next rule. Do not, ever give or tell someone your password, except your parents. Furthermore, if you receive nasty messages, don’t react to them. Reacting to them will just make the cyber bully bully more and you also don’t want to give them the satisfaction of getting a reaction from you. If possible, learn how to block people on the internet so when the time comes, you could block the cyber bully. Pay attention to everything around you and if you notice someone is being cyber bullied, report the case to an adult immediately. Lastly, educate everyone about cyber bullying. Create awareness.

Awareness Campaigns

In spite of the growing concern of cyberbullying, people around the entire globe have taken initiative to fight back and even put a complete stand still on cyberbullying. Fortunately, these campaigns have been successful, encouraging millions of youth and adults to step up and play the right roles in acts of cyberbullying. Whether it's public service announcements or creative events, they are helping put a voice to victims everywhere.

National Crime Prevention Center

The National Crime Prevention Center is one of the more bigger groups that have recently put a focus on cyberbullying. Recently, in partnership with Sony Creative Center and the Ad Council a contest for youth creations of public service announcements was held. Youth across the globe were encouraged to partake and help get the word out. These public service announcements are now played on television and other forms of media, informing people everywhere.

Another campaign taken on by the NCPC is called the Friendship Beats Bullies Everytime campaign. It is a fact that 75% of students notice cyberbullying, however do nothing about it, out of fear and even lack of understanding. This campaign is targeting towards those people, encouraging them to step up and have a positive role in cyberbullying.

Their last campaign is called the Spot the Clues campaign, and this one specifically targets parents and adults, encouraging them to be more aware with their children's actions on the Internet. In addition, it helps them notice the first signs of victimized children.

A Thin Line

In 2009, MTV announced the launch of their own project against cyberbullying. Designed to educate youth about the consequences of cyberbullying, "A Thin Line" was set up as a campaign that would last several years. Like the NCPC, "A Thin Line" has put together public service announcements to broadcast to their viewers. Their website online allows for anonymous advice from peers, allowing for victims to feel safe in asking for help. Many different informative videos about several different aspects of cyberbullying are showcased all over the website. In turn, this campaign has been effective for thousands of victims to discuss their digital abuse.

Statistics

In Canada, cyberbullying is a very serious issue, especially among teens. A report by CBC, “Cyberbullying: Our Kids’ New Reality”, surveyed 2474 Canadian teens. They found that over 70% of teens have been bullied online. 44% of teens confessed that they have cyberbullied someone online at least once.

The most frequent online bullying experiences:

1. Being called names – 76%

2. Having rumors spread about them – 52%

3. Being threatened or scared – 38%

Most frequent modes of cyberbullying:

1. Instant messaging (MSN etc.) – 77%

2. Email – 37%

3. Social Networks (Facebook et.) – 31%

What people did after being cyberbullied:

1. Nothing – 43%

2. Confronted the perpetrator – 32%

3. Told a friend – 27%

A separate study, conducted by Ipsos Ried, on behalf of Trend Micro, focused on Canadian parents. It found that 8% of Canadian parents of children aged 7-17, were aware that their children have experienced cyberbullying. 26% of parents stated that they could not be sure if their children were being cyberbullied.

Cyber bullying is a big thing among internet users. Some surveyors and scientists took the time to investigate some numbers of cyber bullying:

- According to the National Crime Prevention Council, 81% said that cyberbullies think cyberbullying is funny.

- While teenagers believe that youth who cyberbully do not think that it is that big of a deal, they don't think about the consequences, and are encouraged by friends to do it, thinking that everyone else cyberbullies, and that they will not get caught.

- According to a Consumer Reports Survey, one million children were harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyberbullying on Facebook in the past year (2011)

- The primary cyber bullying location where victimizing occurs, at 56%, is in chat rooms.

- According to the Cyberbullying research center, approximately 20% of the students report experiencing cyberbullying in their lifetimes.

- Mean or hurtful comments (13.7%) and rumors spread (12.9%) online are the most common types of cyberbullying.

- Adolescent girls are significantly more likely to have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetimes (25.8% for girls vs. 16% for boys)

- Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying

- Only 15% of parents know about their kids’ social networking habits, and how these behaviors can lead to cyberbullying (2008)

- About 58% of kids admit that someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than four out of ten say it has happened more than once.

- According to a survey conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, youth who are the targets of cyber bullying at school are at greater risk for depression than the youth who bully them.

Links

Below are some links that contain information about cyberbullying and what you can do:

http://www.bullying.org/ This link takes you to a web site that is not particularly catered to cyberbullying but using the information given you can apply it to your particular situation.

http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html This web site is very specific about cyberbullying, if you follow some of the tabs you can learn what cyberbullying is, how it works, and why it happens

http://www.cyberbullying.ca/ This link lets you in on some tips on how you can stop cyberbullying, it also has some other external links that will take you to other bullying-related web sites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber-bullying This link takes you to the wikipedia page about cyberbullying. The page contains a lot of information about studies done on cyberbullying, and also has information about cyberbullying among adults.

http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/cyberbullying.html This site shows how cyberbullying can turn to physical attacks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZgpmuz2MQc Here is a video explaining the affects of cyberbullying.

http://teenadvice.about.com/od/schoolviolence/a/cyberbullying1.htm This link is to help actually define what cyberbullying is and looks a little bit at the kind of people who do it.

http://www.bullyfreealberta.ca/pdf/CS_Cyberbullying.pdf This site has some in depth detail on the consequences of cyberbullying and the it's very informative.

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/teaching_backgrounders/cyberbullying/cyberbullying_law2_h4.cfm This link explains some of the criminal charges associated with cyberbullying.

Here are two videos made by the 2011 class on cyberbullying:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UplTzFuhfsQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61CYc-wpwHM

It should also be mentioned that even though these links may be helpful the best thing to do if you come across cyberbullying is to tell someone you trust. Whether a teacher, a parent, or just a friend they will always be willing to help you if you have been hurt by someone, whether online or in person.