The Cyberbully
The internet is an interesting place, to say the least. People say that what happens online, in forums or in chatrooms, doesn’t matter because in a lot of instances you’ve never met the other person. But I have to argue against that because over the years that I’ve been on the internet, I myself have had experiences that did matter to me and still do matter to me. Internet interactions change you just as much as interactions that happen in the “real” world. So, what am I getting at? So, what am I getting at? It’s really quite simple. There is such a thing as a cyberbully and cyberbullying—despite what some people may think—is a growing epidemic.
As I said in a previously post ‘Sticks & Stones Can Break Your Bones…’ words do hurt and even if they are coming from someone you don’t necessarily “know” it can still be painful to hear. A friend of mine recently came to me very upset because of some things that someone was saying about them online. They made fun of the way he was acting and sad some pretty nasty things. It’s not easy dealing with an online bully, but it is possible. So, what are some ways that you can deal with a person who is bullying you?
Block/Ignore Them:
One of the most wonderful things invented on the internet has definitely been the ability to block/ignore people on instant messengers, on social networking sites and on forums. Hit the IGNORE/BLOCK button at any time and the bully just disappears. Some people think this is cowardly, but bullies often feed off of the pain of others and this is one way to stop them from at least feeding off of your pain.
Don’t Respond:
This goes along with blocking and ignoring the bully. I know this is difficult, and I know because I’ve been there, but it is better that you don’t respond or engage the bully. They’re not going to want to cooperate with you anyway, so really it’s a waste of time and energy. It’s better to ignore them because all they want to do is cause harm.
Get Help:
If you’re a child, or even if you’re adult, get help from someone you trust. It could be a parent, a friend, a family member, someone at school, or someone else. Whoever it may be, get their attention and let them know what’s going on. Tell them how you’re feeling and get their support in the matter. Maybe they will have some ways for you to get through this.
Save the Evidence:
This is something that hooks into reporting the bully, which we’ll get to next. I know that someone’s first instinct is to get rid of the hurtful words and/or images, but this is actually something that you don’t want to do. Save as much evidence on what this person’s doing as you can. Take screenshots of the conversations, hold onto the messages that they’re sending, don’t delete anything. It will make it easier to report the person and take action against them.
Report the Bully:
Bullying is a horrible epidemic in today’s world and one way to try and stop it is to report a bully if you or someone you know is being bullied. Remember the evidence I told you to hold onto? That is for when you decide to take action against the bully or group of bullies. If you’re being bullied by someone at your school, look into their policies on cyberbullying and report it to the appropriate person there. If you’re the parent of someone being bullied, consider contacting the bully’s parents. If the bullying is more serious, consider contacting an attorney as in some cases, you will be able to take the bully(s) to court and sue them. Finally, if the matter is really serious, contact your local authorities and they will be able to help you further as to how to go about dealing with the matter.
If you are on a forum, in a chatroom or what have you, make sure to report the bully to the administrator and/or owner of the site. They will more than likely be banned from said website and then you won’t have to deal with them. Again, make sure you have all your evidence in order in case they want to see documentation and if they want said documentation for their own records.
Remember, bullying is NOT OKAY. And the only way we’re going to stop it is if we work together and don’t stay silent. Be safe.
Let’s Chat!:
How do you deal with a cyberbully when you encounter them?
Photo Credit: Kid-Josh
Posted on August 4, 2012 by Felicia
When bullying becomes harassment it will become more serious, you feel trapped… :/
Ignoring them is only solution that surely works…
Stay Blessed!
Assm Khan recently posted..Emotional Abuse
Part of bullying is harassment and keeping a hold of the power they hold over their victim. Ignoring doesn’t always work, but in most cases I’ve seen it seems to.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your opinion!
Good way to tackle the cyber bully. I hate these people who do it. Sometimes it even happens on the most popular of social networking sites. Its just not on. Don’t just take it, report it.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..Visiting places in Hyderabad
It certainly does seem to happen more and more. I’ve noticed that it happens a lot on social networking sites and it’s really starting to get out of control in my opinion. I hope more people start reporting these bullies because it’s just not right.
Felicia, this post is so true, in so many ways.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Tristan.
I can only hope it helps people.
Great post with lots of good suggestions. I haven’t personally been cyber bullied but I have definitely seen it. Hiding behind a keyboard can make some people feel bold to say things they wouldn’t say to someone in person. Very sad.
S. Franklin recently posted..Let the renter beware!
Thanks so much for the reply, S. Franklin! I 100% agree with you, being behind the keyboard gives people this “power” that they never thought they would have and instead of using it to do good things, they bully others.
Honestly, I’d rather get in a physical fight than a cyber fight. Words hurt worse for me.
Blond Duck recently posted..The Other Side
I think I would have to agree with you to an extent. If it’s just a fits fight, I’d prefer that over a cyber one.
Excellent post! I haven’t be bullied online either but find your tips are spot on with what I’d try to do. There seems to be an influx of bullying online and not just by children. Taking screenshots to back yourself up later is really helpful.
c recently posted..Rain washes megrims away
Thanks for stopping by, C, and thanks for the compliment! I’m glad to hear that you haven’t been bullied. I’ve noticed a lot of bullying going on lately and I really do not know why it is happening. It’s really sad though and hopefully people will realize it’s not worth doing.
I hate when people bully in general. I try to stick up for all bullying I see and handle it if it’s not handled by someone else. It’s not ok! I have reported people for online bullying not to myself but other people. Good article btw luna
It’s great to hear that you stick up for people when they’re bullied, Pain! We need more people out there that do that. Thanks for commenting.
Whether bullying be in person or online, it’s still wrong. It can hurt a person so much from inside just because they take every word that is said, and closely analyze it. Saying “oh I don’t care” and “screw them” doesn’t do the trick. This is a very sensitive subject that can easily be misinterpreted.
I agree with you completely, Cody. No matter where the bullying takes place, it’s wrong and we need to strive to stop it. It’s hurt so many people I know and it’s just not right.
I”ve not encountered any cyberbullying so far, so I’m lucky! Great advice here.
I’m glad to hear you haven’t experienced cyberbullying, it’s not fun. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for stopping by, Alison!
Great post… I think it’s important for adults to stay in the loop with this because kids can be bullied from their own home and parents may not even know!
I completely agree with you, Camille! It’s amazing how many people have been bullied with their parents sitting only inches away from them. I think parents need to makes sure they’re more knowledgeable about what their children are doing when they’re online.
They’re good advices Felicia concerning them cyberbullies… I haven’t yet been cyberbullied, but its a nasty or awful situation to be in, I’d grant you that or give you that nonetheless…
Dealing with cyberbullies is certainly difficult, as I said. It’s especially worse because not all countries have solid laws set in place when it comes to dealing with it. They are getting better though. I’m glad to hear you haven’t had to experience it and hope you never do.
Thanks for the comments, I hope or never wish to be in the same boat or in the same shoes as many of my friends…