How to Deal with Cyberbullying?

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that has moved from offline to online and takes place on social networks, via instant messaging or email. Usually, face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying happen at the same time. But cyberbullying has special characteristics: it is often anonymous, it is massive and it threatens the security of your personal information.

Types of Cyberbullying

Trolling (trolling - spoon out fish)

The term "trolling" was first used in 1996. It is a form of provocative behavior on the Internet. Users post abusive, disruptive or provocative comments to stir up negative emotions in other users. This creates conflict, tension and misinformation online, harms victims’ mental health and undermines trust and safety in online communities. Trolling often aims to create chaos and spread hostility, which has a negative impact on the quality of online communication.

Mobbing (mob - aggressive crowd, gang)

Mobbing is a type of bullying that involves psychological abuse of an individual by a group of people, such as at school, workplace or university. Abusers often use anonymous bullying accounts or post links to the victim's account in special groups for mass attacks.

Flame (flame - fire, blaze)

Simply put, it is an argument for the sake of an argument, using insults and ad hominem attacks against the user, as well as his or her close friends and family. It often flares up simply because of a grudge against one’s virtual counterpart and in the process loses touch with the original topic of discussion. It is sometimes used together with trolling or becomes what trilling ends up with.

Cyberstalking (stalking – constant unhealthy following)

Literally, it is online stalking of a user that can move offline. Cyberstalking takes many forms, from threats in private messages and false accusations to leaking personal photos and correspondence. Sometimes, in an attempt to gather as much information as possible, cyberstalkers hack into victims' gadgets and accounts, order goods or services on their behalf, and make slanderous and offensive posts. Sometimes cyberstalkers practice false victimization - accusing the victim of being the one who is stalking the offender.

How to Recognize Cyberbullying?

The signs of online and real-life bullying are similar.

Cyberbullying is Characterized By:

1. Being Systematic and Regular. Psychological violence and pressure are repetitive.
   
2. Lack of Reason. Abusers are aimed at getting pleasure from the process, not the exact person, so anyone can become a victim.
3. Power Imbalance. The bully acts as a hunter, the victim is always weaker.
4. The presence of a Group. Everyone takes part in bullying, even witnesses.
5. Emotional polarity. On one side - aggression and fun, on the other - pain, fear, helplessness.
6. Impossibility of Compromise. Bullying is not a conflict that can be resolved. It can only be stopped.

What to Do If You Are a Cyberbullying Victim?

Rule 1: Do not respond to provocation. Do not engage in a dialogue with the bully, either in public comments or in private messages. The bully doesn't care about the response - they're trying to provoke an emotional response, and a careless word can make things worse. Threats and promises of retaliation should also be avoided - this will only encourage the bully to continue.

Rule 2. Collect evidence of bullying. Take a screenshot of every email, message, disappearing message, or post - anything related to the bully. Document the time and date of each message. If you can't take a screenshot, you can copy and save the text of the threat. The more information you gather about the attacker, the more you will know about their behavior, their pain points, and how to stop them. They act in exactly the same way. You will also need this evidence if you decide to contact the police.

Rule 3. Block the aggressor. The companies that own social networks and messengers are against bullying, so the buttons "Block", "Complaint", "Add to Blacklist", "Hide User Comments" will help to stop the bully for a while, but not for long. Of course, they can create a new account, but it is worth while making the process a little more complicated for them.

Rule 4. Tell your family and friends about the bullying. Cyberbullying is wrong. You shouldn’t tolerate this behavior or feel ashamed — the aggressor should be ashamed. Talk about cyberbullying with people you trust. Present the evidence you have collected and don't be afraid to express your feelings. People close to you will support you, help you make a sober assessment of the situation and take actions to stop the abuser. If you attend the same school as the bully, report incidents of cyberbullying first to your parents and then to your teacher or another trusted adult. Adults have more power to influence offenders and stop bullying.

Rule 5. Don't keep silent about the problem. If you can't discuss it with your loved ones, try contacting a foundation or crisis center. Specialists of the centers, for example Travli NET (NO to Bulling), will be able to provide not only psychological but also legal assistance.

How can you protect yourself from cyberbullying?

 There is no guaranteed protection against cyberbullying - anyone can become a victim of a cyber aggressor. But you can reduce the likelihood of being threatened by following simple online safety rules.

Remember, bullying is not a game, it is violence.