What is it?
ONLINE harassment, also known as Internet abuse, Net stalking, and Cyber bullying, is a term used to describe people who bully others by way of emails, mobile calls,

instant messaging, chat room exchanges, Website posts, or digital messages or images sent to a cellular phone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Cyber bullying, like traditional bullying, involves an imbalance of power, aggression, and a negative action that is often repeated. It however has some rather unique characteristics that are quite different from traditional bullying.

Anonymity: As bad as the “bully” on the playground may be, he or she can be readily identified and potentially avoided. On the other hand, the child who cyber bullies is often anonymous (unknown by virtue of not being readily detected). The victim is left wondering who their assailant, or tormentor, is, which can cause a great deal of stress.

Accessibility: Most children who use traditional ways of bullying terrorize their victim at school, on the bus, or walking to or from school. Although bullying can happen elsewhere in the community, there is usually a standard period of time during which these children have access to their victims. Children who cyber bully can wreak havoc any time of the day or night.

Punitive Fears: Victims of cyber bullying often do not report it because of: (1) Fear of retribution from their tormentors, and (2) fear that their computer or phone privileges will be taken away. Often, the adult’s response to cyber bullying is to remove the technology from the victim, which, in that child’s eyes, can be seen as a form of punishment.

Common forms of Internet harassment
Cyber bullying can take many forms. However, there are six types that are fairly common.*

Harassment: Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages.

Denigration: Distributing information about another that is derogatory (insulting) and untrue, through posting it on a Web page, sending it to others via email or instant messaging, or posting or sending digitally-altered photos of someone

Flaming: Online “fighting”, using electronic messages with angry, vulgar language
Impersonation: Breaking into an email or social networking account, and using that person’s Online identity to send or post vicious or embarrassing material to/about others.

Outing and trickery: Sharing someone’s secrets or embarrassing information, or tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information and forwarding it to others.

Cyber stalking: Repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm or are highly intimidating, or engaging in other Online activities that make a person afraid for his or her safety (depending on the content of the message, it may be illegal).

Warning signs of Internet harassment
The warning signs of cyber bullying are similar to those for traditional bullying in terms of emotional effect; however, there are some differences. For example, a bruise or torn clothing is not expected as a sign that a child is being cyber bullied, but it is also important to keep in mind that some children who are cyber bullied may also be experiencing traditional bullying at school.
A child may be experiencing cyber bullying if he or she:
•    appears sad, moody, or anxious;
•    avoids school;
•    withdraws from, or shows a lack of interest in, social activities;
•    experiences a drop in grades, or decline in academic performance;
•    appears upset after using the computer or being Online; or
•    appears upset after viewing a text message on a cell phone.
If a child shows any of these warning signs, it is important to talk with him/her, and investigate their Online presence to determine whether cyber bullying is occurring or not, and to offer help, if needed.

Tips to prevent Internet Harassment
Never give out your password to anyone, except your parents. That includes friends.

If someone sends a threatening message, don’t respond. For a bully, a reaction constitutes victory. Instead, save the message, or print it out and show it to an adult.

Never open e-mails from someone you don’t know.

Don’t put anything Online that you wouldn’t want your classmates to see or know, even in e-mails.

Don’t send messages when you’re angry. Before clicking “Send”, ask yourself how you would feel if you received the message.
Presently, Guyanese are not affected by cyber bullying that much, however, it is important that we be on the lookout, as technology is moving at a rapid pace, and our people are more familiarized with it each day. Who knows! You and I can become a target today! Do keep in mind: Cyber bullying is just as harmful as bullying in the real world. If you see it happening, report it! Don’t ignore it!