Cyber Security Tip ST06-005 -- Dealing with Cyberbullies

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                     Cyber Security Tip ST06-005
                      Dealing with Cyberbullies

   Bullies are taking advantage of technology to intimidate and harass their
   victims. Dealing with cyberbullying can be difficult, but there are steps
   you can take.

What is cyberbullying?

   Cyberbullying refers to practice of using technology to harass, or bully,
   someone else. Bullies used to be restricted to methods such as physical
   intimidation, postal mail, or the telephone. Now, developments in electronic
   media offer forums such as email, instant messaging, web pages, and digital
   photos to add to the arsenal. Computers, cell phones, and PDAs are current
   tools that are being used to conduct an old practice.

   Forms of cyberbullying can range in severity from cruel or embarrassing
   rumors to threats, harassment, or stalking. It can affect any age group;
   however, teenagers and young adults are common victims, and cyberbullying is
   a growing problem in schools.

Why has cyberbullying become such a problem?

   The relative anonymity of the internet is appealing for bullies because it
   enhances the intimidation and makes tracing the activity more difficult.
   Some bullies also find it easier to be more vicious because there is no
   personal contact. Unfortunately, the internet and email can also increase
   the visibility of the activity. Information or pictures posted online or
   forwarded  in mass emails can reach a larger audience faster than more
   traditional methods, causing more damage to the victims. And because of the
   amount of personal information available online, bullies may be able to
   arbitrarily choose their victims.

   Cyberbullying may also indicate a tendency toward more serious behavior.
   While bullying has always been an unfortunate reality, most bullies grow out
   of it. Cyberbullying has not existed long enough to have solid research, but
   there is evidence that it may be an early warning for more violent behavior.

How can you protect yourself or your children?

     * Teach  your  children  good  online  habits - Explain the risks of
       technology, and teach children how to be responsible online (see Keeping
       Children  Safe  Online for more information). Reduce their risk of
       becoming cyberbullies by setting guidelines for and monitoring their use
       of the internet and other electronic media (cell phones, PDAs, etc.).
     * Keep lines of communication open - Regularly talk to your children about
       their online activities so that they feel comfortable telling you if
       they are being victimized.
     * Watch  for  warning  signs - If you notice changes in your child's
       behavior,  try  to  identify  the  cause  as  soon as possible. If
       cyberbullying is involved, acting early can limit the damage.
     * Limit availability of personal information - Limiting the number of
       people  who  have  access  to contact information or details about
       interests, habits, or employment reduces exposure to bullies that you or
       your child do not know. This may limit the risk of becoming a victim and
       may  make it easier to identify the bully if you or your child are
       victimized.
     * Avoid escalating the situation - Responding with hostility is likely to
       provoke  a  bully  and  escalate  the  situation. Depending on the
       circumstances, consider ignoring the issue. Often, bullies thrive on the
       reaction of their victims. Other options include subtle actions. For
       example, you may be able to block the messages on social networking
       sites or stop unwanted emails by changing the email address. If you
       continue  to get messages at the new email address, you may have a
       stronger case for legal action.
     * Document the activity - Keep a record of any online activity (emails,
       web pages, instant messages, etc.), including relevant dates and times.
       In addition to archiving an electronic version, consider printing a
       copy.
     * Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities - If you or your
       child  are being harassed or threatened, report the activity. Many
       schools have instituted bullying programs, so school officials may have
       established policies for dealing with activity that involves students.
       If  necessary, contact your local law enforcement. Law enforcement
       agencies have different policies, but your local police department or
       FBI  branch  are  good  starting points. Unfortunately, there is a
       distinction between free speech and punishable offenses, but the legal
       implications should be decided by the law enforcement officials and the
       prosecutors.

Additional information

   The following organizations offer additional information about this topic:
     * National Crime Prevention Council - http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying
     * StopBullying.gov - http://www.stopbullying.gov/
   _________________________________________________________________

   Author: Mindi McDowell
   _________________________________________________________________

   Produced 2006, 2011 by US-CERT, a government organization.

   Note: This tip was previously published and is being re-distributed
   to increase awareness.

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