Common forms of cyberbullying [1]

• Flaming and Trolling – sending or posting hostile messages intended to “inflame” the emotions of others
• Happy-Slapping – recording someone being harassed or bullied in a way that usually involves physical abuse, then posting the video online for public viewing
• Identity Theft/Impersonation – stealing someone’s password and/or hijacking their online accounts to send or post incriminating or humiliating pictures, videos, or information
• Photoshopping – doctoring digital images so that the main subject is placed in a compromising or embarrassing situation
• Physical Threats – sending messages that involve threats to a person’s physical safety
• Rumor Spreading – spreading gossip through e-mail, text messaging, or social networking sites

• [1] Hinduja, S., Patchin J. Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press, 2009.

If you are being cyber bullied, there are some things you can do to protect yourself.

1. Don't delete the text, post, email, etc. Save it as evidence.

Click here  to see how to save it on different sites (Youtube, Facebook, etc.)

2. Don't reply. Sending an angry response will only make it worse.

3. Contact an Adult:

• Your counselor
• An assistant principal
• Health Center counselor
• A trusted teacher
• Your parents

4. If the bullying includes a specific threat to yourself or someone else, contact the police.

If you see a friend sending a mean message, don't be an accomplice:

• Don't encourage them.
• Ask them how they would feel if they recieved that message.
• If they won't listen, tell a trusted adult.