ABUSE_MAGAZINE_ID_ ABUSE Magazine Iowa | Page 9

ABUSE MAGAZINE Photo source: www.photoama.com Stay Safe Online • Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages • Tell friends to stop cyberbullying • Block communication with cyberbullies • Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult How Do Victims React? Contrary to what cyberbullies may believe, cyberbullying is a big deal, and can cause a variety of reactions in teens. Some teens have reacted in positive ways to try to prevent cyberbullying by: • Speaking with other students, as well as teachers and school administrators, to develop rules against cyberbullying • Deleting messages without reading them • Sharing NCPC’s anti-cyberbullying message with friends • Talking to a friend about the bullying • Reporting the problem to an Internet service provider or website moderator Many youth experience a variety of emotions when they are cyberbullied. Youth who are cyberbullied report feeling angry, hurt, embarrassed, or scared. These emotions can cause victims to react in ways such as: • Seeking revenge on the bully • Avoiding friends and activities • Cyberbullying back Some teens feel threatened because they may not know who is cyberbullying them. Although cyberbullies may think they are anonymous, they can be found. If you are cyberbullied or harassed and need help, save all communication with the cyberbully and talk to a parent, teacher, law enforcement officer, or other adult you trust. How Can I Prevent Cyberbullying? Teens have figured out ways to prevent cyberbullying. Follow in the footsteps of other quick-thinking teens and: Don’t forget that even though you can’t see a cyberbully or the bully’s victim, cyberbullying causes real problems. If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. Delete cyberbullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it. 909 Willson Ave. - Webster City, IA 515-832-4137 m T b hum Driv e I nn • Blocking communication with the cyberbully • Raising awareness of the cyberbullying problem in your community by holding an assembly and creating fliers to give to younger kids or parents “Kids never take more tha