Cyberbullies

Have you ever received a mean email or instant message? Have you ever sent one? This is called cyberbullying. A cyberbully uses the Internet, cell phone, or other device to send or post text or images to try to hurt or embarrass another person. It's a lot like the bullying that happens at recess or on the school bus, and it can hurt just as much.

Like other kinds of bullying, you can help stop cyberbullying from happening to you.

Remember:

Keep your password safe! You can tell your parents about it, but not anyone else — not even your best friend!
Don’t share secrets, photos, or anything online that might be embarrassing if someone found out (like your entire school!).
Set up email and instant messenger accounts with your parents. Make sure not to put your name, age, address, or phone number in your profile or screen name.
Don't send messages when you're angry. Wait until you cool off so you don't say something you'll regret. Remember Scruff’s steps for getting along.
Let bullies know that cyberbullying is not OK. If your friends are cyberbullying, tell them that it’s not funny and that cyberbullying hurts people.
Be as nice online as you are offline.

If a cyberbully is bothering you:

Don't respond to emails or messages that are mean to you or your friends.
Don’t forward emails or messages that are mean or that spread rumors about other people.
Don't open emails or messages from someone you know is a bully.
Block anyone who acts like a cyberbully.
Save or print all messages from bullies.
Show the messages to an adult you trust—like a parent or a teacher—and ask for help. If the first adult you tell doesn't help you, keep telling until someone does.

To learn more, try these great games: