CYBER-BULLYING

STOPPING CYBER-BULLYING

• Don't resond to someone you don't know

Don't retaliate

• Getting back at the bully turns you into one and reinforces the bully's behavior. Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression.

Block the bully

• If the harassment's coming in the form of instant messages, texts, or profile comments, do yourself a favor: Use preferences or privacy tools to block the person

Save the evidence

• The only good news about digital bullying is that the harassing messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help.

Reach out for help

• You deserve backup. Of course you know there are different kinds of help, from talking with a friend to seeing if there’s a trusted adult who can help.

Be civil

• You're doing yourself a favor. Even if you don't like a person, it's a good idea to be decent and not sink to his or her level.

Don't be a bully

• You know the old saying about walking a mile in someone's shoes; even a few seconds of thinking about how another person might feel can put a big damper on aggression.

Be a friend, not a bystander

• Forwarding mean messages or just standing by and doing nothing empowers bullies and hurts victims even more. If you can, tell bullies to stop, or let them know bullying is not cool - it's cruel abuse of fellow human beings.

Don't be a bully help a friend