Cyber Bully Solutions

Cyber-bullying has become an escalating concern over recent years. Typically when thinking of bullies, we imagine hulking children who push us down on the play ground, call us names or threaten us. While those types of bullies certainly still exist, cyber-bullies are a bit different. They operate in cyber-space, free from any inhibitions that face to face communication might bring. While both bullies are harmful to others, it is important to know the difference so you can take the appropriate steps to stop a cyber bully from dominating your life.
The first necessary step is identifying whether or not you are the victim of cyber abuse. If someone is willingly using information and communication via cyber related technologies, such as the computer and internet or cell phone, to harass or threaten you by repeatedly or deliberately posting cruel text or images, then you are the victim of a cyber-bully (Mason, 2008). This abuse can take on several forms. Perhaps a class mate is harassing you via instant messaging, posting false or cruel information about you on a web page, or sending threatening emails or text messages (Li, 2006). Recognizing these specific forms of bullying is a vital step in bringing your abuse to an end.
Now that you are aware of the problem it is time to take action. The issues with cyber-bullying are multiple and complex. Typically, abuses may not take place while either student is on school grounds, which can make it difficult for school officials to intervene. There are complex constitutional rights that can protect those who perpetrate online hate speech and similar abuses (Barnes, 2003). A cyber-bully may also perpetrate his abuses anonymously; making it difficult for a victim to even know who their cyber-bully is (Hinduja & Patchin, 2008). It is important to remember you are not alone, a survey of youth in Britain reported that as many as one in four youth had been a victim of some form of cyber bullying(Li, 2006).With so many complex issues, resolving cyber abuse can be quite difficult, but it is possible if you take the right steps.
There are several informative resources for those who find themselves to be victims of cyber bullies. Stopcyberbullying.org is a great online resource for victims. It has a very simple list of steps to remember that can help you deal with cyber bullies: Stop, Block, and Tell.
The first step is 'stop'. The concept is very simple. If you find you are the victim of a cyber bully, take a moment to calm down (Stopcyberbulling, 2008). You do not want to do anything irrational that could potentially aggravate the situation. It could be easy to get caught in a retaliation mindset. According to research some cyber-bullies take on the role of “Retaliator”. They decide it is okay for them to fight cyber abuse with cyber abuse (Mason, 2008). This is absolutely the wrong way to handle a cyber-bully. Remember to take a moment to get control of yourself and prepare to take rational steps to resolve the situation.
The second step is to ‘block’. Much of the bullying that takes place online can occur through social networking sites like myspace.com or facebook.com. These sites, along with many instant messaging programs allow for the users to block messages from undesirable posters. You should take steps to make sure your cyber-bully cannot abuse you through conventional channels (Stopcyberbulling, 2008). Although this will not necessarily put an end to the cyber abuse, it will help you to maintain a safe and healthy online environment. Once you have used all available tools to block your cyber-bully’s communication it is time to get others involved.
Finally we move to our third step 'Tell'. Tell anyone you can think of who might be able to help you. This would probably include parents, teachers, councilors, etc. There are even online resources that can help you resolve dangerous cyber –bullies. Wiredsaftey.org is a site that works with law enforcement officials. It allows you to report instances of cyber abuse like cyber-stalking, hacking, or identity theft. Once those in authority know a problem exists, the likelihood of resolving the situation is much greater (Stopcyberbulling, 2008).
These are just some of the steps that can help you resolve a conflict with a cyber bully. Although there are many different ways to resolve an issue as complex as cyber abuse some of the most important things to remember are to: remain calm, remove abusers access, and inform someone in authority. If you follow these steps the likelihood of bringing the abuse to a peaceful and healthy resolution is much greater.

References

Mason, K (2008).Cyberbullying: A preliminary assessment for school personnel. Psychology in the schools. 45, 26.

Li, Q (2006).Cyber bullying in schools: A research in gender differences. School Psychology International. 27,15.

Barnes, S. B. (2003). Computer-mediated communication: Human-to-human communication across the internet. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2008). Cyberbullying: An exploratory analysis of factors related to offending and victimization. Deviant Behavior, 29, 129-156.

(2008). Stop, block and tell. Retrieved November 23, 2008, from STOP Cyberbullying Web site: http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/take_action/stop_block_and_tell.html

(2008). Cyber911 help. Retrieved November 23, 2008, from Wired Safety Web site: http://www.wiredsafety.org/911/index.html