With more and more young people now communicating through mobile phones and social networking sites, do you worry about being the victim of cyber-bullying ? Webwise has some Tips on Dealing with Cyber-Bullying.

What is Cyber-Bullying?

• Sending nasty, mean or threatening messages, emails, photos or film
• Silent phone calls
• Putting up nasty posts or pictures on a bulletin board, website or chat room
• Saying hurtful things in a chat room
• Pretending to be someone else in a chat room or message board or text message and say horrible things
• Accessing someone’s accounts to scare them or make trouble for them

Tips on Cyber-Bullying

• Do trust your instincts. If it doesn’t look or feel right, it probably isn’t. If you find something online that you don’t like or makes you feel uncomfortable, turn off the computer and tell an adult.
• Do not keep this to yourself! You are NOT alone! Tell an adult you know and trust!
• Do not delete messages from cyber bullies. You don’t have to read it, but keep it – it is your evidence.
• Don’t send a message when you are angry. Wait until you have had time to calm down and think. You will usually regret sending a “Flame” (angry message) to someone else. Once you’ve sent a message, it is VERY hard to undo the damage.
• Don’t open messages from people you don’t know.
• Don’t reply to messages from Cyber bullies! Even though you may really want to, this is exactly what cyber bullies want. They want to know that they’ve got you worried and upset. They are trying to mess with your mind and control you, to put fear into you. Don’t give them that pleasure.

Related Links : Barnardos & Anti-Bullying Centre, Trinity College & watchyourspace.ie. Also Advice for Parents on Cyber-Bullying.

You may also like 10 Tips for Practical Internet Safety for Kids, 5 Tips you should Know if your kids are online & Tips for Keeping your child safe online: 11 Apps & Sites you should be aware of

Do you have any tips to add? Please let us know in the comments below.

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