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Stop cyberbullying
Stop cyberbullying by staying secure online
Cyberbullying occurs when someone uses technology – mainly via the Internet and social media – maliciously to harass or blackmail other people. The mental damage it can inflict on the person receiving it can be enormous.
Cyberbullying can take various forms, such as sending online messages with harmful and threatening content or sending or publishing sensitive information and personal photos on social media and other electronic platforms.
It is different from bullying, because it can easily and uncontrollably violate people's privacy if they do not know how to protect themselves.
Cyberbullying is difficult to control, as there is no limit to the number of messages that can be forwarded and nor to the number of people receiving them. In addition, the Internet provides a shield of anonymity that makes it difficult or sometimes impossible to determine the culprit, whether he is the person who starts intimidating or the one who continues him.
The best way to stay safe online is to learn about all possible measures to prevent cyber bullying, following certain basic rules.
10 rules for proper use of the Internet
Always keep your antivirus software up-to-date and don't visit unsafe locations.
You wouldn't walk around, for example, in a neighborhood, if you knew it was dangerous, so don't visit dangerous "online neighborhoods." It's easy for a hacker to penetrate your computer through these locations, especially if it's not properly protected.
Keep the microphone and camera disconnected or covered when not in use.
Someone who's penetrated your computer can use these devices to document your private photos and evidence and later use it to blackmail you.
Do not share personal information. Personal information may include your sensitive personal data or photos.
Even if you communicate with someone you trust, you can never be sure that this person is really the same behind the profile you see. Even if it's a person you trust, a third person may be able to read your private messages.
Don't share your password, even with your friends.
Social media can sometimes automatically store your connection information. If a third person has access to your friend's device, they can also access your personal profile, email, and messages.
Don't post photos of other people without their permission.
Photos record moments. These moments are usually positive, include friends, and it's natural that you want to share them. Before publishing them, make sure that you have the consent of all those involved. You may not think about it, but maybe someone considers a picture stupid or failed and not comfortable for others to see.
Hold some evidence in case you suspect anything.
If someone sends you an offensive message, posts an abusive comment or a humiliating photo, don't delete it immediately. Keep some form of receipt, such as a screenshot. If you contact parents, teachers, social media managers or (if necessary) local authorities, you must have proof of what has happened.
Do not promote insulting messages or humiliating photos.
Their mission to other people perpetuates the cycle of cyberbullying.
Be careful about what you post or share with others.
Think before you decide to share an "apocalyptic" picture of yourself from the beach. Keep in mind that this photo could be edited with Photoshop or used by a fake profile in another location. Don't give strangers a chance to benefit from your online presence.
Don't respond to provocative messages and comments when you're angry.
Anger is often the feeling that the instigators want to see. When people communicate online, they are able to hide behind anonymity and become more offensive than when they physically contact others. Whether you have:
• trolling (provocative messages causing a collision) or
• flaming do not fall into the trap of answering in a similar way.
do not fall into the trap of answering in a similar way.
Remember! Your answers may be used as evidence, and the instigator may report you on an offense, prohibiting you from entering these websites.
• trolling (provocative messages causing a collision) or
• flaming do not fall into the trap of answering in a similar way.
do not fall into the trap of answering in a similar way.
Remember! Your answers may be used as evidence, and the instigator may report you on an offense, prohibiting you from entering these websites.
Report any kind of misconduct.
Do not try to deal with the perpetrators when they are found in a case of abuse of online content, insulting language or humiliating photos. Report content and user. Every online game, social media or blog makes it possible to report. Get the proof you need (a screenshot snapshot) and report the content to administrators of the web site. Let them treat the user according to the regulations.
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Conclusion
Parents and teachers should ensure that pupils know these rules and follow them.
If you are confronted with a serious online bullying case, you can contact the Cybercrime Prosecution in 1188. This is the right way to manage incidents of online harassment and blackmail.