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Definition of cyberbully | PCMag

A person who uses the Internet and social media to harass or intimidate someone. Tweets and texts are a common cyberbullying venue, and email messages with phony from: addresses are a way to reach people without identifying the sender. An "anonymous blog" keeps the writer's identity a secret but allows the blogger to make harmful comments. See Internet troll, fake news, email spoofing and rage.

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Definition of cyberbully | PCMag A person who uses the Internet and social media to harass or intimidate someone. Tweets and texts are a common cyberbullying venue, and email messages with phony from: addresses are a way to reach people without identifying the sender.

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This is a 15 page article on the scientif research of the data gathered about cyberbullying the statistics where it occurs.

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Technology has many positive effects on education, but negative effects also exist. One of the negative effects is cyberbullying spreading out of school boundaries to the social networks. The increasing popularity of social media among youngsters engenders cyberbullies who exploit the virtual environment besides the usual emails. This distresses the students and adversely affects their families, teachers, and others around them. Although research studies mainly concentrate on prior education, there seems to be a need to investigate the situation in higher education. This study focuses on students studying technology and related disciplines, who are hence likely to be well connected with cyberspace, and explores their awareness about cyberbullying. The findings reveal that female students have significantly less awareness than males. This study will help address some gender issues in cyberbullying.

References

Agatston, P. W., Kowalski, R., Limber, S. (2007). Students' perspectives on cyber bullying. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(6 Suppl. 1), S59-S60.
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Arıcak, O. T., Tanrıkulu, T., Siyahhan, S., Kınay, H. (2013). Cyberbullying: The bad and the ugly side of information age. In Patrut, M., Patrut, B. (Eds.), Social media in higher education: Teaching in Web 2.0. (pp. 318-333). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
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Faucher, C., Jackson, M., Cassidy, W. (2014). Cyberbullying among university students: Gendered experiences, impacts, and perspectives. Education Research International, 2014, Article 698545.
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Favela, L. O. (2010). Female cyberbullying: Causes and prevention strategies. Student Pulse Articles, 2(10). Retrieved from http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/322/female-cyberbullying-causes-and-prevention-strategies
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Molluzzo, J. C., Lawler, J. P. (2011). A study of the perceptions of college students on cyberbullying. Proceedings of Information Systems Educators Conference 2011, Information Systems Educators Conference (ISECON), Wilmington, NC.
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O'Brien, N., Moules, T. (2010). The impact of cyber-bullying on young people's mental health (Final report). Anglia Ruskin University. Received from http://www.ncb.org.uk/media/111007/cyber-bullying_report.pdf
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Zalaquett, C. P., Chatters, S. J. (2014). Cyberbullying in college: Frequency, characteristics, and practical implications. SAGE Open, 4(1). doi: |
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Cyberbullying Awareness for Mitigating Consequences in Higher Education - Alev Elçi, Zeliha Seçkin, 2019

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Technology has many positive effects on education, but negative effects also exist. One of the negative effects is cyberbullying spreading out of school boundaries to the social networks. The increasing popularity of social media among youngsters engenders cyberbullies who exploit the virtual environment besides the usual emails.

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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 Tik Tok

Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices

Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet

Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit

Email

Online gaming communities

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

All states have laws requiring schools to respond to bullying. As cyberbullying has become more prevalent with the use of technology, many states now include cyberbullying, or mention cyberbullying offenses, under these laws. 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.

Frequency of Cyberbullying

There are two sources of federally collected data on youth bullying:

The 2019 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, nationwide, about 16 percent of students in grades 9-12 experienced cyberbullying.

The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

See also " Frequency of Bullying."

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets.

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This same site can be found under what is cyberbullying but it also touches base on the types of platforms that are used for cyberbullying.

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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 Tik Tok

Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices

Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet

Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit

Email

Online gaming communities

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

All states have laws requiring schools to respond to bullying. As cyberbullying has become more prevalent with the use of technology, many states now include cyberbullying, or mention cyberbullying offenses, under these laws. 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.

Frequency of Cyberbullying

There are two sources of federally collected data on youth bullying:

The 2019 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, nationwide, about 16 percent of students in grades 9-12 experienced cyberbullying.

The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

See also " Frequency of Bullying."

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets.

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This is a short exerpt on cyberbullying that contains a few statistics of how many students are being bullied and where. It also talks about which 3 social media networks are the worst for cyberbullying.

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Social media sites are one of the leading places that pre-teens and teens experience bullying, whether they are being bullied, bullying someone or witnessing it. What is staggering is that 90% of those who witnessed bullying on their social media sites have ignored the behavior.

Cyber predation is "behind-the-scenes bullying." It's the electronic transmission of damaging words and photos, and it allows predators to reach victims stealthily and anonymously through online means. Unlike physical oppressors, cyberbullies can torment students 24/7, relying on tools like social media platforms, instant messaging, email, blogs and websites rather than face-to-face encounters.

Far reaching consequences

With the advent of apps like Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter, etc., cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent than ever. Everyday there are over 150,000 kids nationwide who stay home from school because of bullying; and it seems like every week there's a story in the news about a child committing suicide because they were bullied, which is one too many.

While cyberbullying is a relatively new phenomenon, the consequences are far-reaching and similar to those of physical and emotional bullying. Victims may experience psychological and emotional damage, severe depression, anxiety, anger-and even suicidal behavior.

According to the website, StopItcyberbully.com, types of cyberbullying include, but are not limited to:

Flaming: Using inappropriate or vulgar language to attack or fight with someone.

Harrassing: Repeatedly sending inappropriate, hurtful or hateful messages.

Outing: Sharing a victim's secrets or personal information in a public forum.

Exclusion: Intentionally and publicly excluding someone from a group, and tormenting them after exclusion.

Impersonation: Posing as someone for the purposes of damaging their reputation, inviting an attack, or sharing real or fabricated information about them.

Stalking: Electronically "following" someone and sending them targeted messages with the intention of scaring, harming or intimidating them.

Worst 3 social media sites for bullying

According to Detective Sgt. Thomas Rich, a certified NJ police officer and the creator and founder of Always Connected, a program developed to "inform law enforcement, educators, administration, youth workers, youth groups, parents and children of all ages how to utilize technology in a positive way," and Todd Shobel, President of STOPit, which is helping students, schools and parents stand up against cyberbullying through use of an innovative iPhone and Android app, the worst three social media sites for bullying are:

1. Facebook - Of course, cyberbullying is happening on Facebook, and despite the network's recent decline in popularity among teens, millions still congregate there. One of the most common forms of bullying on Facebook is harsh commenting on users' self-photos (selfies). It's a vicious circle, really, as teens who post photos are often looking for positive affirmation and end up getting the opposite.

2. Instagram - An unfortunate byproduct of the rise of Instagram is the popularity of "rate me" posts or impromptu beauty contests. Teens, most frequently girls (but boys get into the act too), post pictures of themselves with a hashtag (#rateme, #hotornot) or referencing a contest (#custestteen) looking for likes or positive comments. Not surprisingly, many of the comments are anything but positive. Instagram users who set their accounts to private can avoid unwanted comments from strangers.

3. Ask.fm - From what Rich and Shobel have seen, the ratio of negative comments to positive ones is highest on Ask.fm, for a very straightforward reason. "Good" kids usually sign up for Ask.fm using their real name, but are not required to do so. Bullies are free to sign up for a fully anonymous account, and therefore can bully without fear of their real identity being uncovered. Ask.fm has been linked to 9 teen suicides in the past year.

Warning Signs of Bullying

Rich and Shoebel say parents should be on the lookout for the following signs that their child may be the victim of cyberbullying:

Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness

Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

Unexpectedly stops using phone or computer

Appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant Message, text message, or Email appears

Appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using phone or computer

Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members

Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

Expresses reluctance or refuses to participate in activities previously enjoyed

Innovative new app

The new StopiT app enables victims and witnesses of cyberbullying to instantly report incidents of cyberbullying to a trusted network of adults. There's both a personal and school version of the app, and it's available on both iOS and Droid. StopIt already has hundreds or personal users and a handful of New Jersey school districts signed up through its beta stage.

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Cyberbullying: Which 3 Social Networks Are the Worst?

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Social media sites are one of the leading places that pre-teens and teens experience bullying, whether they are being bullied, bullying someone or witnessing it. What is staggering is that 90% of those who witnessed bullying on their social media sites have ignored the behavior. Cyber predation is "behind-the-scenes bullying."

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Sings your child might be being bullied - Moms Team Blog Exerpt

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Sings your child might be being bullied - Moms Team Blog Exerpt

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Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness

Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

Unexpectedly stops using phone or computer

Appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant Message, text message, or Email appears

Appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using phone or computer

Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members

Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

Expresses reluctance or refuses to participate in activities previously enjoyed

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This website gives different levels of cyberbullying and situations and what you should do based on the situation.

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If you or someone you know is being bullied, there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe from bullying.

If you or someone you know is involved in cyberbullying, it is important to document and report the behavior.

If you have done everything you can to resolve the situation and nothing has worked, or someone is in immediate danger, there are ways to get help.

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If you have done everything you can to resolve the situation and nothing has worked, or someone is in immediate danger, there are ways to get help. Find out more at StopBullying.gov.

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Rethink before you type | Trisha Prabhu | TEDxTeen

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This is a great detailed website article on all the parts of cyberbullying. DEFINTELY CHECK THIS ONE OUT!!

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What to Do When Technology Becomes Torment
According to a survey by the Cyberbullying Research Center, almost 34 percent of students in middle and high school had been cyberbullied in 2016 - the largest percentage reported since the organization began tracking cyberbullying 10 years ago. As this problem grows, it's important for students, parents and educators to understand the effects of cyberbullying and what can be done to prevent it. This guide takes a holistic look at the issue and includes information on the types of cyberbullying, how students can protect themselves and what actions can be taken to address it after it happens.
What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying occurs when someone harasses, torments, threatens or humiliates someone else through the use of technology - including text messages, social media sites, email, instant messages and websites. Like face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can manifest itself in several different kinds of behaviors. The following are some common examples of what cyberbullying looks like.

The Different Types of Cyberbullying

Although it is important to understand what the different cyberbullying behaviors are, in order to get a full understanding of it, it's also important to understand the bullies themselves and why they do what they do to their peers. There are many reasons that students may engage in these behaviors, including boredom, revenge, anger and to provoke reactions from their victims.

In addition, the anonymous nature of the internet makes it easier for people to cyberbully others, especially if they are social outcasts themselves who would not have the courage to bully anyone in person. In other cases, some people become cyberbullies because they are part of the in crowd, and they are mimicking the behaviors of their own peer groups in order to fit in.

The Effects of Cyberbullying

Being the victim of bullying is already a stressful experience, but when the internet is added to the equation, it can be especially painful because of the reach that the bully has on the victim, according to Arsenault.

"Before the internet, kids who were bullied at school often had a respite when they got home. Today, bullying happens in person and online, so it can be incessant," she says. "For those victims of bullying who spend a lot of time online, especially on social media, they are literally subjected to the bullying and its negative effects around the clock."

In addition, the permanent nature of the internet can contribute to the stress and hurt that the victims of cyberbullying feel, which is exactly what the bully wants.

"In these instances, the victim feels even more powerless since it is very easy to disseminate information online and very hard to retrieve and remove what is already out there," Ponce says. "A lot of times, a cyberbully may use the internet or cell phone as a weapon of choice, and the bullying can very easily spill over into more harm at school with their peers."

As a result of the relentless nature of cyberbullying, there can be a lot of negative effects that students can experience, including:

Anxiety

Depression

Decreased academic performance

Feelings of isolation

Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Lowered self-esteem

Increased school absences

Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities

Using alcohol and drugs to cope

Withdrawing from family and friends

Cyberbullying & Self-Harm

If left unchecked, the effects of cyberbullying can lead to extreme stress and depression, and students who are victims may feel drawn to self-harm as a result of their experiences. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, students who have been cyberbullied are twice as likely to engage in self-harming behaviors and to have suicidal thoughts than those who have not.

However, the victims of bullying are not the only ones who are vulnerable to self-harm and suicidal behaviors: The study also reports that young people who cyberbully others are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing these feelings than those who don't.

What If You're Being Cyberbullied?

Students who are victims of cyberbullying may feel so overwhelmed that they don't know what they can do about it. Following are some steps they can take to handle these situations and get the help they need.

Cyberbullying Prevention

Since the consequences of cyberbullying can be so severe - for the bully as well as the victim - it's imperative for teachers, parents and even other students, to work together to prevent cyberbullying. The following are some strategies that can help.

Teachers

Let students know that it's OK for them to report any online abuse that happens to them.

Participate in training on cyberbullying prevention to better understand it and learn strategies for addressing it.

Teach students about what cyberbullying behaviors are and why they're wrong.

Create an environment of mutual respect and tolerance in the classroom.

Incorporate the internet and social media into lesson plans to teach students how to be respectful to others online.

Work closely with parents so they understand cyberbullying.

Implement anti-cyberbullying policies in the classroom.

Parents

Monitor children's online activities.

Take away children's mobile devices if they are caught mistreating people online.

Teach children how to use technology responsibly.

Find out whom children are speaking to, and making friends with, online.

Understand the signs of someone who is a bullying victim.

Learn how to use the technology that children are using in order to get a perspective of their online world.

Students

Think before making every post online, and avoid making posts that can have a negative effect on your reputation.

Learn what cyberbullying is and what behaviors are involved in cyberbullying.

Avoid putting inappropriate photos online because they can be the fuel that cyberbullies use.

ssages from unknown people without opening them. Also, avoid opening messages from known bullies.

Treat everything and everyone with respect.

Laws on Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying behaviors are not just a nuisance; in some cases, they're a crime. The following is a sampling of some of the cyberbullying laws on the books in different states around the country.

In addition, on a federal level, there are no laws that specifically address cyberbullying; however, discrimination law may apply if the cyberbully targets someone because of his or her race, religion, age, sex or disability.

More information about cyberbullying laws in specific states can be found at www.stopbullying.gov and www.cyberbullying.org.

Social Media Safety Tips

While the internet can be a great resource to help students prepare for tests and do research for assignments, as well as stay in touch with their friends, it's still important for them to be safe when using technology - especially social media sites. The following are some tips to help teens stay safe when using social media.

Your Cyberbullying Questions Answered

Cyberbullying is a serious issue, so it's important for parents, teachers and students to understand how to handle it. We asked our experts, Margaret Arsenault and Jennifer Ponce, to weigh in and provide more insights on cyberbullying.

What can parents do to support a child who has been cyberbullied?
Arsenault:
If your child tells you he or she is being bullied or that someone else is acting inappropriately online, don't underestimate what's going on. A young person may downplay a situation out of embarrassment or maybe even exaggerate. Talk to your child and let them explain in their own words what's happening. You know your child best, but remember, too, that just coming to you with an issue like being bullied likely took a lot of courage for them to do. Stay calm, hear them out and then look into the situation to determine if it warrants more intervention.

Parents should certainly contact the school to report the incident, even if only informally. You never know what kind of pattern of bullying might be happening at the school, and your report could be the one that moves the administration to act or escalate the way it handles the allegations.
Ponce:
Sometimes, as parents, it is difficult to learn your children have any type of negative experiences, but it is during these times that teens and adolescents will need you the most. The first piece of advice I always give is to listen and be open to what your child is sharing with you. Sometimes teens are afraid of telling Mom or Dad because they do not want to get in trouble. This is a crucial time to put all judgment aside and really listen to your children and let them know that you are there for them no matter what.

I also encourage parents to do their research and know the signs that a child may be being cyberbullied or bullied in general. Some of the things parents can watch out for are:

Increases or decreases in cell phone use.

Your child having a strong emotional reaction after being online or reading a text message.

A child who is being more secretive about their electronic devices and social media; maybe your child removes you or blocks you from his or her social media accounts.

Your child starts to avoid activities or going places he or she once enjoyed.

Your child seems depressed or more agitated, as if something is just "off."

Knowing what resources are available is also a great way a parent can support a child who may have been cyberbullied.

Can parents work with the school to address this problem?
Arsenault:
Parents can absolutely work with the school to address the problem. In fact, I believe they should. The more involved parents are in their children's education, the better. There's such a thing as too much help, however. I'd recommend parents educate themselves on their districts' policies regarding assault, sexual harassment and bullying, as well as the district's formal complaint system. Talk to the administration. This will typically mean the principal or vice principal. Find out if they're aware of the problem already and what, if anything, they're doing about it.

On a sensitive note, be open to the possibility that your child's role might not be exactly the way it was portrayed to you. A child who reports being bullied might be inciting the alleged bully, turning the situation into more of a mutually hostile situation. Then again, the youth being bullied might react in an inappropriate way, resorting to physical violence or loud outbursts of bad language, out of desperation. Be willing to address your own child's behavior, if necessary, but don't allow others to paint your child as the instigator if that's not what's happening.
Ponce:
Parents most definitely can work with the school. I would say it is important that parents know their options, but that they also include the child and make it clear that they are going to take this course of action so that the child is aware and not caught off guard.

Is it a good idea for parents to confront a child's bully or the parents of the bully?
Arsenault:
The short answer is no, not if you don't know them personally. The most obvious reason, I think, is that the cyberbully may be learning their behavior from a parent. It's possible that the parent you confront could be just as much a bully as the child. Or worse. They might not be, but why take that chance? Now, if you know that parent and have a good relationship with that person, by all means, get together and see if you can work it out.

In situations involving cyberbullying, I think it's a good idea for parents to allow the school to address it, if practical. As well-intentioned as parents may be, we all want to go to bat for our kids, and we want to believe everything they tell us. School officials, as a rule, are better prepared to be objective arbitrators among the students and, in fact, are probably more familiar with each student's behavior patterns at school.

In situations where the school is unable or unwilling to address the problem, such as when the cyberbully is not a student at that school, then contacting the police or consulting with a counselor or clergy member might be a good idea. Even if they can't directly deal with the problem, they will likely be able to suggest some resources.
Ponce:
I would encourage parents not to directly confront their child's bully. It would be up to the parents whether or not they feel comfortable addressing the situation with the bully's parents. Another option would be to report it to the school and allow the school to facilitate a resolution in some way.

What kind of help is available for teens who have been cyberbullied?
Arsenault:
The first place I would recommend a parent look is to the school district. Each district should have policies regarding bullying. Look online on the district's website. This is also a good time to review that parent/student manual that got tossed in the closet at the beginning of the school year.
Ponce:
There are a number of resources for teens who have been bullied. If someone is in immediate physical or emotional danger, I would always encourage 911 to be at the top of the list. If a victim is feeling helpless or hopeless, it would be important to take advantage of teen crisis hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-TALK (8255). If a teen needs emotional support or someone to talk to, there are many local community mental health services available. Laura's House offers a free and confidential text/chat line for teens experiencing any form of violence, including bullying and cyberbullying. A teen can text the word "HEART" to (949) 484-8440 and be connected to an advocate who can help and/or connect the teen to additional resources, or they can live chat online by visiting www.laurashouse.org/lhteen. If the cyberbullying is happening at school, I would encourage reporting it to the teacher and school administrators.

What kind of help can a bully get to change his or her behavior?
Arsenault:
I think most kids who are bullies aren't thinking about how they can change. I think they are dealing with issues of their own and acting out as a way of coping. Bullying is a negative method of coping, but still a form of coping nonetheless. I've seen kids who were bullying others break down crying when an adult talked to them about their behavior and asked what was going on. It may be that the bully is acting out of anger or fear because of some circumstance in his or her life. I'm not a licensed counselor, but I'm a parent and I'm a human being. When people start behaving in ways that are out of character, it's a good indicator that the person is dealing with one or more issues. Adults who interact with the youth, such as teachers, parents, athletic coaches and so on are in a position to recognize these changes in behavior and refer the youth to a school counselor. Early recognition and intervention can increase the number of youths who get mental-health issues treated, which would have a cascade effect.
Ponce:
Just as a victim will need emotional support, we have found the same to be true for people who cause harm to others. I would encourage them to connect with mental health professionals in order for them to learn better interpersonal and relationship skills, including conflict and/or anger management and better coping strategies.

What are the most important things that students should remember if they are being cyberbullied?
Arsenault:
Students need to know that if they are being cyberbullied, it's not their fault. It's easy for kids to internalize feelings of guilt or shame when accused of something, even when they are falsely accused. The pressure that comes from shaming is intense, especially for kids in middle school. Sometimes what people might call bullying is really just a disagreement between two people.

If you feel you can do it safely, tell the bully to stop. Seriously. My husband, who spent a lot of time working in the county jail, says, "Bullies will keep bullying only while the cost is outweighed by the fun. The moment the cost is higher than the bully is willing to pay, he or she will stop bullying that person." For some bullies, not getting a response from their targets is "no fun," and they stop. For others, having the targets stand up to them puts an end to it. Some bullies are more than willing to turn physical. You have to gauge the situation. It's easier to tell a bully to stop online than it is in person.
Ponce:
The most important thing to remember is that you are not at fault, and that you are not alone. A lot of times, victims feel that they have done something to deserve this behavior or have played a role in their own victimization, and that is not true. It is never the victim's fault. The next important thing to remember is that you are not alone and that there is support out there. Don't be afraid to speak up to tell someone. It might be a scary thing to do, and it is OK to be afraid, but it is important to remember that what has happened was not your fault, there is help out there and you will be able to find support to help you through this; it will get better.

Additional Cyberbullying Resources

Anti-Cyberbullying Toolkit
This toolkit from the nonprofit organization Common Sense provides information for educators, including lesson plans that can be used in the classroom and resources that can be shared with parents and families.

StopBullying.gov
Maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this site includes information on the tactics cyberbullies use, how to prevent cyberbullying and the laws in place to address it. There are also resources for parents and teachers, as well as information on cyberbullying continuing education courses that teachers and school bus drivers can participate in.

NPR Stores About Cyberbullying
This page on NPR's website includes reports on topics related to cyberbullying, including why children bully, how to keep teens safe on social media and what cyberbullying law are in effect.

Teens Against Bullying
Teens Against Bullying answers questions teenagers may have about cyberbullying on this page.

Kaspersky Lab's Cyberbullying Facts
This video from Kaspersky Lab outlines the different kinds of cyberbullying people engage in.

TEDxTEEN Talks
In this TEDxTeen Talks video, Trisha Prabhu discusses the effects of cyberbullying.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This organization provides help for bullying victims who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Cyberbullying 101 - CNET Podcast
This CNET podcast addresses popular misconceptions about cyberbullying.

What Teachers Can Do - Scholastic
On this Scholastic page, educators get advice on how to deal with cyberbullying among students.

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According to a survey by the Cyberbullying Research Center, almost 34 percent of students in middle and high school had been cyberbullied in 2016 - the largest percentage reported since the organization began tracking cyberbullying 10 years ago.