
What is cyber bullying?
It's easy to spot a bully in school-- she could be the mean girl who trips you as you're going up the stairs, or the classmate with a big mouth who laughs out loud whenever you speak up in class. Dealing with these bullies is difficult, but with teachers and guidance counselors on constant watch over you, you're sure that you have help when things get out of hand. But what if you can't see who's bullying you or you don't know where to run when the attacks start -- like on the internet?
Free as a Blog
The internet gives everyone the freedom to say whatever he or she wants. All this freedom is why people love blogging so much -- anyone can express themselves, air out their thoughts and speak their mind. Unfortunately, some people use this freedom to stir up trouble for others. Some blogs exist simply to do damage to other people -- bloggers who have something against someone they don't like can post entries that revolve around how awful the person (or people) they hate is.
Who Says Words Can't Harm You?
Just like bullying at school, cyber-bullying can make you feel unsafe and scared because you've lost your privacy ("How did you get those photos!" or because of threats ("Can they really 'come and get' me?"). Worst of all, this kind of negativity can spread like wildfire and affect many people -- it can turn the victims into instant outcasts, all because blog readers are usually willing to believe anything they read on the internet, whether it's true or not.
Don't give in. When you become the target of a hate blog, the first reaction they wait for is for you to get pikon (pissed). Ignoring your haters, no matter how hard it is, is the safest way for you tostop the hate. If they don't get a reaction from you, they're going to run out of steam sooner or later. Also, reacting when you're still really mad about it can worsen an already bad situation. When you see something you don't like, shut your computer off and give yourself time to cool down.
Get Your Evidence Ready. Blogs can disappear from the 'net as fast as they can be created. Print out any info you can from the site-- the comments section, related e-mail addresses and even site stats. Keep any hate mails that come your way--they can be used as evidence too. The more paperwork you have to prove that people are spreading malicious rumors about you, the more ammo you've got against your haters. Bringing this sort of proof to your parents or even you teacher or guidance counselor can help turn things around from you.
Get The Authorities Involved. Hate blogs are a form of harassment and officials, lawyers, teachers (and even the police!) have ways of dealing with this. Not only can your parents offer you the support you need in order to get you through such a difficult situation, they also have the authority to stop it before things get really out of hand. If the hate blogs take place in a public site like Blogger, Multiply or Facebook -- report it to the administrators. They will immediately investigate the situation.
Protect Your Info. Don't ever give out any personal information online and make sure any online nicks you use don't reveal anything about who you are (like your age, where you're from, if you're male or female, etc.)
Use the Block Feature. Don't accept or even open IMs or e-mails from people you don't trust or you don't know.
Guard Your Privacy. Remember, whatever you put online can become public, passed around and picked on so don't post anything that could make you become a target for meanies. Always use the security and privacy features of sites you use and mark photos, videos, blog entries private--for trusted friends and family members only!
Don't forward emails that make fun of other people.
Don't join in chats that are all about teasing or embarrassing others.
Don't visit social networking sites that aim to make fun of someone.
Don't forward other people's personal pictures, emails, or info.


Labels: bitch, bullying, cyber, jianglei, marshmallow babe, ripper
Eunice is the name. 17 years young from the Philippines. This will serve as my money blog and personal blog. This could also be an SP Blog.