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Cyber Bullying

What is cyber bullying?

Cyber Bullying is when an individual or a group of people use modern technology such as email, instant messaging, text messaging or social networking sites such as Facebook to intimidate and bully someone. For the victim, cyber bullying can be abusive, causing distress humiliation and embarrassment.

Fortunately for those affected by cyber bullying, police can track down the source to an individual computer or mobile phone, even if the bully covers their tracks. To combat cyber bullying at school, most secondary schools will have monitoring software in place to monitor and record potential inappropriate use.

Tips to prevent bullying

  • Don't post anything on a network profile, which gives you or a friend's real name, address, school or phone number

  • Network sites like Facebook and Bebo allow you to block someone so they can't see your profile or search for you

  • Moderated chat rooms are safer

  • Check the internet and mobile phone policies of your school

Tips for when things go wrong

  • To deactivate your Facebook account, go to the settings tab on the account page. You can then remove your profile and content and nobody will be able to see your details or search for you

  • If the offensive postings continue, you can report them on Facebook to make a complaint. You can also email abuse@facebook.com. Facebook pledges to investigate the complaint, to remove the content and warn or ban the offender from the site within 24 hours

  • Show any bullying messages to a parent or other responsible adult. Bullying is likely to stop once others know and can support you effectively

  • If you don’t know who to tell ring Childline on 0800 1111 to speak to someone in confidence

  • Do not respond to bullying comments and never respond to abusive text messages

  • Save abusive messages, as these are evidence of bullying and can be used to trace anonymous bullies

Support and advice for victims on cyber bullying

For advice and resources