All About Cyberbullying And How To Deal With It

 

Nishant outshone his school seniors in basketball. Until one day, he did not want to play anymore. The 14-year-old became withdrawn and his game started to suffer.

He finally confided in his father that his seniors had been harassing him online, sharing photos of him with harsh words.

If you've come across someone who uses the Internet threaten, or humiliate someone else, then he or she is most likely a cyberbully!

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying doesn't require physical strength or face-to-face contact. Almost anyone with an Internet connection or mobile phone can cyberbully someone else, often without having to reveal their true identity.

Do you recognise these typical examples of Cyberbullying?

1. Posting unwanted pictures or messages to social media outlets.
2. Sending harassing text messages
3. Creating fake accounts to impersonate someone else
4. Accessing private files or folders on personal computers

So how do you deal with cyberbullies?

1. Don't respond. If someone bullies you, remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you. Who wants to empower a bully?
2. Don't retaliate. Getting back at the bully turns you into one and reinforces the bully's behaviour. Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression.
3. 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. You need to do this even if it's minor stuff, in case things escalate.
4. Talk to a trusted adult. You deserve backup. It's always good to involve a parent but - if you can't - a school counsellor usually knows how to help. If you're really nervous about saying something, see if there's a way to report the incident anonymously at school.
5. Block the bully. If the harassment's coming in the form of instant messages, texts, or profile comments, do yourself a favour: use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it's in a chat, leave the "room."
6. Protect your PC. A good antivirus will keep your passwords protected and keep you safe from cyber threats. Dell PCs are accompanied by 15-month McAfee antivirus add-on, ensuring a safe and secure cyber experience.

Do you know of anyone who's tackled a cyberbully? Do tweet to us using #DellAarambh and let us know about them.