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What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is one of the many forms of bullying. It includes the use of email, cell phones, text messages, and Internet sites to threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude, or damage reputations and friendships.

EXAMPLES OF CYBERBULLYING

• Sending mean messages or threats through emails or cell phones
• Posting hurtful messages on social media sites or web pages
• Posting embarassing photographs or secrets and spreading them
• Recording unauthorized videos and uploading them
• Hacking into other people's account and posting damaging messages

% OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS BULLIED IN CANADA (2011 SURVEY)

WHY CYBERBULLIES BULLY

• They think that making fun of other people will make their friends think they are cool
• They feel bad about themselves and think being a bully will them feel better
• They feel anonymous and often hide behind a screen name
• They are angry and frustrated
• They think they will not get caught

EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING

• Causes fear, anxiety, and stress
• Causes loss of interest and affects performance at school
• Decreases confidence, self-esteem and sense of security
• May lead to suicidal thoughts
• Can affect the health of victims

WHAT HAPPENS TO CYBERBULLIES AT OUR SCHOOL?

• Cyberbullying is taken very seriously at our school.
• Cyber bullies are suspended or expulsed from the school
• Cyberbullying may be reported to the police
• The police will lead an investigation

GETTING HELP IF YOU ARE BEING CYBERBULLIED

• Tell a trusted adult, like a parent, guardian, or teacher
• Adults can help you collect your evidence
• Adults can help you figure out ways to put an end to the bullying
• The adult may decide to tell the police

STAYING SAFE ONLINE
The best way to stop cyberbullies is to keep them from reaching you. Cyberbullies can reach you only if they know how to find you. Think carefully before giving out your phone number, your e- mail address, or your website. Use an alias for your e-mail address and screen name. If a cyberbully sends you a message, do not reply. Instead block the bully so that they cannot reach you again.

SAFETY TIPS

• Keep your phone number, e-mail address and screen name private
• Do not forward e-mail without first asking the person who wrote it
• Do not post pictures of yourself online before checking with an adult
• Never post pictures of your friends without asking them
• Print mean messages to show an adult. Then block the sender, and delete the message.

RESOURCES

• MediaSmarts. Strategies for Fighting Cyberbullying.
• Jakubiak, David J. A Smart Kid's Guide to Online Bullying. New York, NY: PowerKids, 2010. Print.
• Www.cyberbullying.ca -conceived Of, and Created by Bill Belsy, Creator and Facilitator of www.bullying.org .