Cyber bullying....

• What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying is a form of bullying, which is carried out through an internet service such as email, chat room, discussion group, online social networking, instant messaging or web pages. It can also include bullying through mobile phone technologies such as SMS.
• What is the difference between having fun and Cyber Bullying?

Having fun is when no one feels threatened or hurt, when friends might bully friends out of fun and laughs.

Cyber bullying is when an individual feels threatened, and has been hurt.
• What are typical things that a person would do to Cyber Bully someone?
  
     Teasing and being made fun of
     Spreading of rumours online
     Sending unwanted messages
     Defamation.

• What sort of person Cyber Bullies?

Cyber bullies are just like bullies; the bullies often have low self-esteem or have been a victim of violence themselves. They bully others as a way of making themselves feel more powerful.
• What should you do if you are the victim of Cyber Bullying?

Tell someone. Human Resource Manager, your employer, a supervisor/manager or health and safety representative

If the situation continues or is serious, you might need to make a formal (written) complaint that follows company policy. This could lead to couselling, mediation or eventually termination of employment of the bully.

If the person doing the bullying is your employer or they do not do anything to stop it, it's important you get outside support and advice.

• How can Cyber Bullying affect you?

Just like bullying in real life, there can be terrible effects on those who experience cyber bullying.

Being bullied can lower your self-esteem and you may feel alone, sad, angry and scared. If you are being bullied it is not your fault and there is nothing wrong with you. Don't be afraid to let someone know that you are being bullied as they may be able to help you.

• How big of an issue is Cyber Bullying?
The number of reports of cyber bullying to the NetAlert Helpline has been increasing, particularly since 2006.

An online safety survey conducted by NetAlert and ninemsn in February 2007 found that:

16% of young people said they had been bullied online, while 14% were bullied through their mobile, with boys and girls experiencing similar levels.

56% thought it was easy to get bullied online
• What are your rights?

Under certain circumstances (such as harassment and making threats) cyber bullying is a criminal activity and is illegal. If you feel your safety is at risk, contact '000' or your local police. Police around Australia work together to reduce this type of crime and there are serious consequences if people participate in such activities

• Any other information you think will be helpful…

If you are being bullied you shouldn’t feel threatened by the person, you need to seek advice as soon as possible if things become serious and threats to your life has been made.