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Stopping harm of cyberbullies

Growing up there was always a particular kid who was a little bigger than the rest of the class. He would use his size to intimidate other kids on the playground. He would then turn to name calling or teasing if his size did not intimidate the others. He was known on the playground as a “bully.” The “bully” spent numerous recesses in the principal’s office. The thing about this type of “bully,” is you could always see him coming from any direction. He wasn’t too fast so you could out run him and find a playground supervisor to stand with.

I have the opportunity to teach in schools frequently and bullying is a topic that always comes up. Any time students are treated poorly by another it is referred to as bullying. Before technology every bulling event took place in person, face-to-face and kids knew it was coming. Now, kids do not always have this ability. The reference above is how bullying took place before the world relied on technology. Today, kids and adults deal with what is known as cyber bullying or cyber harassment.

Cyber bullying is bullying that occurs online through some type of technology, often through text messages, instant messages, emails, or social networks.

Cyber bullies can be any age, from elementary aged kids all the way up to adults. For a cyber bully it is easy to hide behind a computer or electronic device and send hurtful messages or intimidating threats. Growing up bullies were typically the older kids and now with the use of technology younger kids are able bully older kids without the fear of immediate retaliation. Cyber bullying is just as hurtful as other types of bullying and in many ways can actually be worse.

The worst part about cyber bullying is it’s not limited to just the playground or the park or at school. It can occur any time and anywhere that the victim is online, even in their own home. Many times the bully can remain anonymous, hidden behind a name on the internet. This makes it very difficult to put an end to cyber bullying easily.

Cyber bullying can come in many forms other than direct contact with technology. Some of the bullies may contact a victim through video games, instant messages, or texts; however, others will post derogatory messages on social media outlets, share derogatory pictures on the internet, or create a fake profile to humiliate another person.

The best way to help a child avoid cyber bullying or harassment starts with being involved in the child’s use of technology. Continuously monitor their activity, messages, or emails to see what they are talking about and who they are talking to. It is not only important to be sure your child is not the victim of bullying but it is just as important to make sure your child is not a bully to someone else.

For victims of cyber bullying it can cause depression, create doubt about self-worth, and can be embarrassing to endure. If you ignore the problem, sometimes it will go away because the person is not getting the response they want. If the problem continues though, make sure to keep all the messages that the bully sends. This will help when having to speak with police, teachers, parents, or other authority figures that may have to get involved.

When dealing with cyber bullying do not be afraid to report it. If no one is aware there is a problem, no one can help. If you are not the victim do not assist a cyber bully by continuing the message or forwarding a picture. Just because the original post wasn’t created by you does not mean it is any less hurtful.

Ashley Simpson is a Community Service Trooper for the MSP Alpena Post. If you have a question for Trooper Simpson, you can email her at asktroopersimpson@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Alpena Post, 3283 W. Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.

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