How do you stay in control in cyber bullying?

Answer 1

Firstly, don't engage with the person doing it online. If you play into it at all, it will likely just make them escalate it. If it is something simple, like being called a name once, try to just ignore it. Just do not reply.

If it continues to be a problem, take screen shots and save them. You want to have proof that it is going on, and a record that shows if it is escalating. Take notes on when it happened, who was involved, and what might have led to it.

Be sure to talk to someone. When you are the target of bullying, the bully wants to isolate you. Don't let that happen. You need support. Tell an adult that you trust like your parents or a favorite teacher.

Block any communications that you can. Messengers like Facebook have a block function. Many newer phones, like iPhones, will block numbers as well. Don't let them keep messaging you just so you can keep tabs on what they might be saying. Cut those messages off.

Report them. You can report cyberbullying to the websites it is happening on. There is a very good chance, that website will block them. Go tell a councilor at your school. They can get kicked off of sports teams, removed from clubs, and even suspended from school.

If it gets serious, make a police report. Many states are putting in laws to protect against this sort of thing. They could even be prosecuted under stalking laws. Most states have updated their laws that include electronics/cyberspace harassment. Some of the states that have updated are: Arizona, Alaska, Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.