What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is any form of bullying which takes place online or through smartphones. Most young people will experience it or see it at some time.
There are different ways a bully can harass someone:
- Text message bullying involves the sending of unwelcome texts that are threatening or may cause unnecessary discomfort
- Phone call bullying via mobile phones either by making silent calls or leaving abusive messages
- Email bullying may be used to send bullying or threatening messages
- Picture/video bullying via phone cameras may be used to make an individual feel threatened or embarrassed
- Chat room bullying can involve sending messages in a chat room that are menacing or upsetting
- Bullying through instant messaging is an internet-based form of bullying where individuals are sent unpleasant messages as they conduct real time conversations online
There are also several types of cyberbullying:
- Harassment is sending offensive and insulting messages and being abusive.
- Flaming is when someone I purposely using extreme and offensive language and getting into online arguments. They do this to cause a reaction and enjoy the idea of making someone distressed.
- Denigration is when someone may send information about another person that s fake, damaging and untrue. Sharing photos of someone for the purpose to ridicule, altering photos of others and posting them online, spreading fake rumours and gossip.
- Impersonation happens when someone may share personal information about another or trick someone into revealing secrets and forward it to others. They can do this with private images and videos too
What to do if you are a victim of cyberbullying
If you receive any threat of violence, instance of cyberbullying or electronic harassment or recognise any of the mentioned behaviour in someone, this must be reported immediately to our Safeguarding Officer David or email David at david@rmtraining.co.uk