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 title Cyberbullying


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 HOME
button TABLE OF CONTENTS
button DEFINITIONS
button THE NET GENERATION
button A CASE STUDY
button ONLINE BEHAVIOUR
button STATISTICS
button LAW ENFORCEMENT
button PREVENTION
button COMMUNITY AWARENESS
REFERENCES
button ENDNOTES
SOURCES
EXTERNAL LINKS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS




Prevention
Be Web Wise


As most incidents occur without adults present it is important that young people know how to avoid problems and what to do if they feel targeted or bullied.   The community needs to develop a plan to encourage net etiquette and ethical behaviour online, making a stand against cyberbullying as unacceptable behaviour. 

Some steps for using the new communication technologies, may seem obvious but they need to be constantly reinforced with young people.  These steps are:
  • Never post or say anything you don't want the world to read or hear.  It is NOT private. 
  • Never share personal contact information such as PIN numbers or passwords.  Unfortunately, friends do change and arguments happen.
  • If harassed or anything is making the young person feel uncomfortable they should tell a parent or trusted adult.  Adults must present a clear message that the youth is not at fault and they are willing to take action to resolve the problem.
  • If it is in chat room leave the area
  • If it is an E-mail don't reply.  Save message and forward to the Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Abusive Instant messaging messages can be blocked. 
  • If there is a physical threat  inform the police
There are many web sites with detailed information on how to save important information  and how to identify the person or persons creating the problem.  Bill Belsey has created a web site specifically called Cyberbullying.   Web Aware, developed by the Media Awareness Network (MNet),  is a national bilingual public education program on Internet safety designed to encourage effective use of the Internet and information how to avoid the risks.