Cyberbullying

School bullying is marked by a number of traits: it is malicious and persistent and involves unequal positions of power (for example, a group bullying a single victim).

Cyber-bullying is a form of school bullying distinguished by the use of electronic means of communication: mobile phones, web cameras, Internet sites and so on.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF CYBER-BULLYING?

  • Repetitive sending of threatening or nasty e-mails, text messages, posts etc.
  • Dragging personal information out of someone and spreading it about against their will
  • Pretending to be someone else (hacking into their e-mail account, posting etc. under their name, sending e-mails and messages containing lies or insults etc.)
  • Setting up websites etc. designed specifically to laugh at or mock someone or to create ill-feeling towards them
  • Cyber-bullying normally involves more than one person

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FALL VICTIM TO CYBER-BULLYING?

  • Tell someone you trust about it – a brother or sister, a friend, your mum or dad, someone from your class etc.
  • Tell your parents about it and discuss together what you should do next
  • Tell people working at your school (your teacher, the school psychologist, a social worker, the principal etc.) about any violence
  • Contact the online administrator for help
  • Call the kids’ helpline 116 111 for help or e-mail info@lasteabi.ee (e-mails are answered within five working days)

Links to sites which provide help and advice: