Cyberbullying In Focus

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices. A recent study found more than 40 percent of students claim to have been bullied online.

What Constitutes A Cyber Threat?

According to Cyberbully.org, a cyber threat is online material that threatens or raises concerns about violence against others, suicide, or other self-harm. It may include a direct threat to hurt someone.

What Are Some Examples Of Cyber Bullying?

According to Cyberbully.org, threats may include:

Sending cruel, vicious, and sometimes threatening messages.

Creating web sites that have stories, cartoons, pictures, and jokes ridiculing others.

Breaking into an e-mail account and sending vicious or embarrassing material to others.

Engaging someone in IM, tricking that person into revealing sensitive personal information, and forwarding that information to others.

How Should You Deal With Cyber Threats?

According to Parenthood.com:

Tell the bully in simple terms to leave you alone. Tell him not to contact you again. Log off immediately and stay offline for at least 24 hours.

Do not reply to any future mail from the bully. Do not reply to taunts, e-mails or gossip written about you.

Stay out of questionable chat rooms.

Keep e-mails from the harasser and your replies as evidence.

If you feel you are in physical danger or if the bully has made physical threats against you, call your local police precinct.

To Learn More About Cyber Bullies:

• Find out about viruses, worms, and other ways people can attack both you and your computer online through a CBSNews.com interactive.

• Click here to read more from a Cyberbully website.

• The Center For Safe And Responsible Internet Use has additional resources.

• Click here to read a Parents' Guide To Cyberbullying And Cyber Threats, published by the Center for Safe And Responsible Internet Use.

•Connect With Kids helps parents and educators help children, and has resources on online bullying.