Cyber bullying is defined as repeated harassment or mistreatment of others online through electronic means such as computers, phones, and other devices. It has increased and causes higher rates of suicide than traditional bullying because victims cannot escape it even at home. Statistics show that 9.1-23.1% of students bully online while 5.7-18.3% are victims, and girls are more common targets. Cyber bullies often pretend to be someone else, spread rumors or lies, trick people into sharing private information, or post embarrassing content without consent. Victims frequently experience anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and in some cases, drug or alcohol abuse and suicide. Prevention requires individual responsibility as well as action from parents

1. Cyber bullyingNew age bullyingBy: Stacey Ringwelski

2. What is cyber bullying?Defined as repeated harassment, mistreatment, or making fun of another person online through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. (Cyber Bullying Research Center)ExamplesThreatening emailRepeated text messages to cell phonesForwarding private messages, pictures, etc.

3. Why is this an issue?Cyber bullying has increasedHas a higher percentage than standard schoolyard bullyingCauses higher suicide ratesChildren cannot get a break from this at home, as opposed to standard bullying

4. StatisticsSuicide is two times more likely with cyber bullying.9.1% to 23.1% of students are the bullies5.7% to 18.3% of students are the victims (Cyber Bullying Research Center)Girls are more likely to be the target40% of teenagers have reported being cyber bullied over the last year (National Crime Prevention Council)

5. How are students cyber bullied?Those who cyber bully:Pretend to be someone else online to trick peopleSpread lies and rumors about another personTrick people into revealing personal information Send or forward mean text messagesPost pictures or videos about a victim without their consent (National Crime Prevention Council)Carissa GoodNCrazy

6. Quotes“Recently, I was very much hurt by cyber bullying. This guy I know, let's call him Tom, started to IM me. He said that his friend was over, let's call him Joe. And then, randomly, Joe starts insulting me. He calls me a loser and says that I look like a potato. He curses and I feel like crying. The hurt was so real that I felt like throwing up. I hate IMing people now because I am scared of this kind of hurt.” (12 year-old girl from New York)

7. Quotes"Being bullied over the internet is worse. It's torment and hurts. They say ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.’ That quote is a lie and I don't believe in it. Sticks and stones may cause nasty cuts and scars, but those cuts and scars will heal. Insulting words hurt and sometimes take forever to heal." (14 year-old girl from New Jersey)Arwen Abendstern

8. Impact on victimsStudents who are being cyber bullied often show signs of:AnxietyLonelinessLow self-esteemDepression Alcohol and drug abuseSuicide

9. Impacts on educationPoor academic performance

10. Dropping out of schoolCaitlinator

11. Legislative issuesRyan Halligan storyFather pushes for states to pass legislation regarding cyber bullying punishment

12. Stopping cyber bullyingMany teens believe cyber bullying prevention needs to occur on three distinct levels:IndividualOnline institutionsParentsmethTICALman

13. Prevention in schoolsDevelop rulesHold assembliesCreate fliersShare anti-cyber bullying messages

14. For kids: what not to doRefuse to pass along cyber bully messagesBlock communicationTell a friend to stop cyber bullyingReport cyber bullying to an adultTell a victim you are sorry

15. Cyber bullying is a problem!“Don’t forget that even though you can’t see a cyber bully or the bully’s victim, cyber bullying causes real problems. If you won’t say it in person, don’t say it online. Delete cyber bullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it.” (National Crime Prevention Council)

16. Sourceshttp://www.cyberbullying.ushttp://www.isafe.orgNational Crime Prevention CouncilCyber Bullying Research CenterCell Phone PictureSad Girl PicturePerson at Desk PictureInstant Message Picture