1. Information Guide to Cyber Bullying

2. Cyber bullying is a relatively new form of bullying which has started happening a lot on social networking sites, online forums and by email or text. Cyber bullying is a relatively new form of bullying which has started happening a lot on social networking sites, online forums and by email or text. Examples of cyber bullying behaviour are: 1. abusive messages or slagging on Facebook, Twitter etc. 2. offensive comments on videos or posts 3. spreading rumours online 4. hacking into your online accounts 5. posting offensive images

3. What is the extent of the problem Various studies provide different figures, here are some I have come across. On average 15% of parents are aware of their children’s social networking activity. Of all the young people who are Cyber Bullied, studies show only 10% tell their parent what is happening to them. 53% of teenagers admit they have said mean or cruel comments to others while online. While 58% report they have had mean or cruel things said about them or to them on line.

4. People involved in Cyber Bullying. Bystander Victim Bully

5. Is the internet Private ?

6. Dangers of the internet Identity theft, Receiving unsolicited messages, Do you know that a person on the internet can pretend to be anybody. Make sure they keep all their usernames and passwords private even from friends. Exposure to explicit or violent material, Dangerous offenders befriending young people,

7. How Children Can Avoid Cyber Bullying Staying safe on line is key

8. Never give out your passwords – always keep your passwords and PIN numbers to yourself, and make a habit of logging out of your email/Facebook page if you’re using a public computer. Pick your friends carefully – remember whatever you post online can be seen by everyone who’s got access to your page or the discussion board. If it’s Facebook, only make friends with people you’re ok sharing information with. Do not post personal information. Use Netiquette – be polite to other people online. Think about what you’re saying and whether it might be hurtful or embarrass them in public, even if it’s funny. Don’t send a message to someone else when you’re angry – wait until you’ve calmed down and had time to think. Once you’ve sent it, you can’t take it back.

9. Advice on Cyber bullying if your are a young parson affected.

10. Don’t reply – even though you might really want to, don’t rise to the bait and reply to messages from someone who’s bullying you. They want to know that they’ve got you worried and upset. They hope for a reaction. Remember the bully has the problem not you. Don’t believe what they say to you. Don’t blame yourself. Chances are if you never reply they’ll get bored and leave you alone. Tell someone – if it’s bothering you, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to someone about it. If you’re worried your parents will freak out, you could talk to a friend, a teacher you trust or a youth worker. Check out face-to- face help for more. If you are worried that somebody you tell will over react or make things worse this is only natural. Tell that person about your fears and tell them the facts. For example what has happened, who is doing it, how long it is happening, who else is aware, what you have tried to do about it. Keep a record – you don’t have to read the messages, but keep them and keep a record of the time and date. This can act as evidence if you ever need it, and can help the Gardaí or your ISP find out where the messages are coming from.

11. Go offline – if you feel like it’s invading every bit of your life, remember you can turn off your computer and your phone anytime. Ditch virtual reality for some actual reality for a while. Inform your phone company or Internet Service Provider (ISP)– they can block texts, calls or online messages from specific people. Change your contact details – get a new user name, a new email address, a new mobile number and only give them to your closest friends. This doesn’t mean you’re giving in, you’re just getting on with your own life. Inform the Gardaí – if the messages are ever threatening or it’s getting really serious, tell the Gardaí. It’s against the law to threaten people, and the Gardaí can put a stop to it. They’re there to keep you safe, and they generally want to know about stuff like this.

12. Remember, It's Not About You Often people who bully other people do it to make themselves feel better, because they are unhappy, at school or at home. Remember that they have the problem not you. Don't believe what they say to you, and don't blame yourself. Tell Your Friends//People You Can Trust In Class Tell them what is going on and how you feel. Ask them to come with you to tell a teacher if you are afraid. Ask them to stand up with you against the bully. Tell Someone If you're being bullied, try and tell someone about it. Talk to : - Your parents - Someone in your family - Your teachers - A Helpline If your school has a peer mediation or mentoring program try to use it. No one can help you if you don't tell them.

13. Useful sources of information Some useful websites include ; www.barnardos.ie www.spunout.ie

14. Thank You for Listening Any Questions Please ?