Victims of Cyber Bullying

As a school community, we must remain steadfast in recognizing and understanding what the victims of bullying, specifically cyber bullying. look like. Remember, a majority of children who experience cyber bullying also experience the bullying face-to-face.  

Stopbullying.gov reports that victims of cyber bullying are also more likely to:

• use alcohol and drugs
• skip school
• refuse to attend school
• perform poorly academically - or create a noticeable downward spiral in grades
• have lower self-esteem
• demonstrate multiple health problems
• experience some form of self-harm

In the last post, it was discussed what to do when a child is a cyber bully. But what can be done for the victim. The answer is: plenty. As you saw from the video posted earlier, being supportive, empathetic, and present is vital to victims of cyber bullying. According to the Cyber Bullying Research Center, there are ten important things you can do to help one who is cyber bullied:

1) In all settings, make sure the student is, and knows she is, safe.

2) Talk with and listen to your child.

3) Collect evidence when you can (screenshots or print: messages, conversations, pictures, etc.).

4) Work with your school and know their anti-bullying policies.

5) Refrain from contacting the parents of the bully.

6) Since cyber bullying normally violates the Terms and Services agreements of most web site         

    providers, contact the content provider to inform them of the violation.

7) If your child has been threatened with physical violence, contact the police.

8) If the bullying is based on race, sex, or disability, contact the Office of Civil Rights

9) Seek counseling for the child if necessary.

10) Take steps to prevent the cyber bullying from occurring again.