By: Jithin and Rey

 Cyber bullying is a form of bullying, which is carried out through an internet service such as , chat room, discussion group, online social networking, instant messaging or web pages. It can also include bullying through mobile phone technologies such as text messages. Cyber bullying can happen to anyone and the bully can act anonymously if they want. People can also be bullied online by groups of people such as class groups or collective members of an online community.  There are two very common types of cyber-bullying; direct attack, and cyber-bullying by proxy

A direct attack is a message that is sent to a child directly such as:  Instant messaging or text messaging  Blogs (Myspace, Facebook...etc...)  Stolen passwords for , instant messaging, and other online accounts  Websites (websites that are created to tease or hurt another child)  Pictures sent through and cell phones  Internet polling ("Who's hot, Who's not"..."Who is the biggest 8th grade loser“...)  Sending malicious code (viruses, spy ware and hacking programs)  Sending porn and other junk s or IMs  Impersonation (posing as the victim and harming other people)  Interactive gaming (X-box live, Sony Playstation network)

 Cyber-bullying through proxy is when the "bully" gets someone to do the dirty work for them. Most often they are unwitting accomplices and don't know they are being used by the "bully". Cyber-bullying by proxy is considerably the most dangerous type of cyber-bullying because it often gets adults involved in the harassment and most of the time the adults are unaware that they're bullying a child.

 42% of kids have been bullied while online. One in four have had it happen more than once.  35% of kids have been threatened online. Nearly one in five had had it happen more than once.  21% of kids have received mean or threatening s or other messages.  58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than four out of ten say it has happened more than once.  58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.

 Just like bullying in real life, there can be terrible effects on those who experience cyber bullying. Being bullied can lower your self-value and you may feel alone, sad, angry and scared. If you are being bullied it is not your fault and there is nothing wrong with you. Don't be afraid to let someone know that you are being bullied as they may be able to help you.

 Keep a record (including time and date). This may help you (or the police) to find out who is sending the messages.  Tell someone : Talk to someone you trust, a parent, friend, school counsellor or teacher.  Contact your phone or Internet service provider and report what is happening: They can help you block messages or calls from certain senders.  If messages are threatening or serious get in touch with the police Cyber bullying, if it's threatening, is illegal. You don't need to put up with that!  Don't reply to bullying messages: It'll only get worse if you do. By replying the bully gets what he or she wants. Often if you don't reply the bully will leave you alone.  Change your contact details: Get a new user name for the Internet, a new e- mail account, a new mobile phone number and only give them out to your closest friends.  Keep your username and passwords secret: Keep your personal information private so it doesn't fall into the hands of someone who'll miss-use it.