Bullying * Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying, a growing danger

There are two schools of thoughts on cyber-bullying, one says that free speech includes the right to criticize or say anything you want to without using your real name, or even using someone else's name. The other says that your first amendment right stops when it comes to falsehoods, slander, cyber-stalking, or any action that causes someone else to be fearful or hurt. The Internet is known as a free and wild place where anything goes, but this freedom comes with certain responsibilities. The Department of Justice calls "Cyber stalking" a serious problem. It occurs while people visit websites online and are harassed through personal emails, pagers or any other electronic device. Several states have anti cyber stalking statutes now.

Bullies think the Internet is a safe place to harass, stalk ,manipulate and control others. If you find yourself being stalked, harassed , or bullied online by someone you know, or don't know it can be scary. Many children who have been abducted or hurt by cyberbullying have found it can also be a dangerous place.

The objectives of bullies are Power, Control, Domination, Subjugation. They get a kick out of seeing you react. It doesn't matter how you react, the fact they've successful provoked a reaction is, to the bully, a sign that their attempt at control has been successful. There are steps that you can take to stop online bullying and it is important that you do so.

The anonymity of the Internet gives cyberbullies a false sense of security when it comes to bullying people online through mediums like emails, blogs, chatrooms, and so one. You do not have to stand for being harassed or lied about online anymore than any other place. Here are some steps you can take to stop online bullying.

What Can You Do?

First and foremost do not respond, do not interact, and do not engage.

Keep hard copies of harassing email messages, or online postings.

Report them to the FBI or local law enforcement agencies

Contact the webmaster or site owner

You have a right to sue in a court of law if you can prove you have suffered from libel

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