Cyber Bullying, Stalking and Harassment

The same things that happen on the playground can also happen online. Cyber bullying means being cruel to other kids online. This can include:

• pretending to be someone else and sending hurtful or embarrassing messages
• telling someone’s secrets
• spreading rumors
• threats
• hate crimes, based on race, religion, appearance or sexual orientation

Why is it dangerous?

Cyber bullying can cause low self-esteem, skipping school, depression and even suicide. Online threats can be more harmful than face-to-face bullying, because there’s no escape. It can happen 24/7. Kids may be afraid to tell their parents, because they don’t want their online access to be restricted.

How to keep your child safe:

• google your child (search full name, email address, screen name – use quotation marks for an exact search – for example “Jane Smith”).

• report harassment to WiredSafety.org using this form.

Risky behavior for cyber bullying:

• Internet addiction: spending too much time online
• Sharing personal information online
• Visiting suicide web sites
• Playing violent computer games
• Using the Internet for sexual activities

If your child is being threatened offline, call the police immediately.