Note: Here is part 2 of “Bullying Advice for Kids”. If you did not read part 1 of it, click “Bully Advice for Kids – Part 1″ to read it first.
We all love our mobiles. They’re a fun way to chat to friends, browse the web, play games, watch videos and more. But there’s also a serious side to being online: cyberbullying.
Cyberbullies can make your life awful by misusing mobile technology to harass and intimidate you. Cyberbullying is not only wrong, but sometimes it’s also illegal too.
Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re being bullied. Some of the behaviour that bullies use includes:
- Name-calling
- Spreading false rumours
- Saying that they’re someone they’re not
- Saying mean things
- Threatening or intimidating
It’s important that you don’t fall victim to cyberbullies, but it’s also important that you don’t become one yourself. It’s easy to get away with saying things online that you’d never say to someone’s face, but that doesn’t make it right. Also, remember that you’re never really anonymous when your online; everything you say and do can be traced back to you. So, put simply: never say something online that you wouldn’t say in real life.
If you become the target of a cyberbully, keep in mind that it’s nothing to do with you personally. You’re not alone and it’s not your fault. Get help as soon as you can from an adult you can trust.
More detail: Stay Safe on Your Mobile Device
Bullying Advice for Kids
Following are some of the bullying advice for kids:
- Keep your mobile number and usernames quiet and only give them out to people you trust. If a friend gives you their details, don’t share them around without permission.
- Use caller ID blocking if you don’t want someone to save your number when you call them.
- Don’t accept friend or follow requests from anyone you don’t know
- Set passwords or PINs for your handset, voicemail and SIM card. Once they’re set, protect them to avoid anyone accessing your personal information.
- Privacy settings are a great way to stay safe online. Most social media and game sites offer different types of privacy settings – find out more on the eSafety Homepage here.
- Before you post something or send a text, pause and ask yourself: ‘Would I be happy for my parents to read this?’. If the answer is no, chances are you shouldn’t do it.
- If you receive something hurtful or damaging about someone else, don’t pass it on. In case you do, you could be a cyberbully.
- ‘Sexting’ is a bad idea – every time. These messages put you in a lot of trouble if they get into the wrong hands, including with the police. It may not seem like a big deal, but creating or sharing sexual images of people under 18 can actually constitute child pornography.
You’re being bullied: What to do
- As tempting as it is to fight back, the best thing you can do is to not respond to a cyberbully. Bullies really want attention, so you’ll make the best choice by ignoring, blocking and walking away.
- Screenshot any rude or mean texts, emails or posts. The information from these screenshots (like the time and date) will help in investigating who the bully is and making sure they don’t do it again.
- Consider blocking or unfriending the bully. You can also alter the privacy on your accounts so that they can no longer see your profile or your information.
- If you’re receiving unwanted calls, talk to your service provider, as they may be able to block the number.
Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Talk to an adult you can trust – whether it’s a parent, a sibling or a teacher. They may be able to help you more than you think.
Also read bullying advice for parents