Reporting Cyberbullying

Bullying and cyber bullying are often difficult to get under control. Information over the internet and other technological means can spread extremely quickly. Even when the bullying wasn’t intentional, it can begin to work its way into your children’s life. When the bully is anonymous and in many cases, they can remain anonymous for long periods of time, the bullying can go on, sometimes unnoticed indefinitely. Cyberbullying is the same as bullying, only easier. If you, your child or someone you know is being cyberbullied, it is important to learn more on Reporting Cyber Bullying, especially if the situation cannot be resolved by other means.

Here is how you go on Reporting Cyber Bullying: 

  • Do not ever respond directly to the bully as this will only encourage their behaviour. Bullies thrive on the reactions they get when a victim is sad, confused, scared and/or angry. Do not post a comment that is related to messages, posts or photographs that were upsetting.
  • It is important to gather all of your evidence by printing out a hard copy of the posts, emails, images, instant messages and/or text messages. If you have received voice mails, save a copy of the message. Remember to note the date and time of each transmission. Although the first instinct is to delete everything and wipe the hard drive clean, it is important to archive everything.
  • Determine what all forms of technology is being used by the cyber bully. Try to figure out if the attacks involve several victims or cyber bullies or if there is one victim and one bully. Ask the child questions and reassure them that it is okay to tell you everything.
  • There are different polices among law enforcement agencies regarding cyber bullying, but the first place to start is by contacting your local police department.
  • Present your evidence to officials. Be as specific as possible about the cyber bullying and the victim’s reaction to it. Some victims experience only embarrassment, while others experience fear, depression, anger and worry about physical safety. Present all of the evidence you have gathered to the officials and be very specific about the cyber bullying as well as the reaction of the victim. Victims experience different feelings, reactions and results of cyber bullying. One victim may only experience embarrassment, while some victims experience depression, fear, and concern for physical safety and/or anger.
  • It is important to let officials know what type of outcome you want. For example, you may feel the cyber bully only needs to be reprimanded or you may expect them to have a loss of online privileges, school expulsion or even arrested. Once you have discussed the outcome you would like to see happen, the authorities you have reported the problem to will explain to you if the desired outcome will happen and if not, why.
  • If the official you have reported the problem to ignores the situation or downplays it, explain to them that you have all intentions of contacting different authorities. For example, if the school principal does not follow through with the report, contact local police for possible help.

Children who are the victim of cyber bullying experience a variety of effects, such as losing sleep, depression, withdrawing from social activities, illness, missing school and in some cases severe results including death. If you are concerned for your child’s safety it is vital to contact the local authorities as soon as possible for Reporting Cyber Bullying.

Learn more about Cyber Bullying here. Spread the word on Reporting Cyber Bullying Now!