Counselor's Page
ANTI-BULLYING
TIPS
Bullying is a big deal! Of all the ways others bully, probably
the most concerning one is cyberbullying. What Is
Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices
like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur
through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or
gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.
Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative,
harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include
sharing personal or private information about someone else causing
embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line
into unlawful or criminal behavior.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and
Twitter
- SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent
through devices
- Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps,
and social media messaging features)
- Email
Special
Concerns
With the prevalence of social media and digital forums,
comments, photos, posts, and content shared by individuals can
often be viewed by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content
an individual shares online - both their personal content as well
as any negative, mean, or hurtful content - creates a kind of
permanent public record of their views, activities, and behavior.
This public record can be thought of as an online reputation, which
may be accessible to schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and
others who may be researching an individual now or in the future.
Cyberbullying can harm the online reputations of
everyone involved - not just the person being bullied, but those
doing the bullying or participating in it. Cyberbullying has unique
concerns in that it can be:
Persistent - Digital devices offer an ability
to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it
can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find
relief.
Permanent - Most information communicated
electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and
removed. A negative online reputation, including for those who
bully, can impact college admissions, employment, and other areas
of life.
Hard to Notice - Because teachers and parents
may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to
recognize.
Laws and Sanctions
While all states have criminal laws that apply to bullying, not
all have special statutes that apply to cyberbullying or bullying
that takes place outside of school. Schools may take action either
as required by law, or with local or school policies that allow
them to discipline or take other action. Some states also have
provisions to address bullying if it affects school performance.
You can learn about the laws and policies in each state, including
if they cover cyberbullying.
Visit the Mississippi Attorney General's office to see what
Mississippi is doing in the stand against bullying in schools http://www.ago.state.ms.us/anti-school-bullying/
