The Internet opens up new opportunities for abusive behavior. People can post rumors, pictures or other personal information on the Internet, or send malicious messages, either anonymously or under someone else’s name. SMS texting and camera phones open up new opportunities not only for entertainment, but also for exploitation. Bullying in school usually ends with class, but online, an abuser can catch up with their victim at any time. Also, these bullies have a list of users they can bully online. If a child enjoys communicating online, such risks need to be discussed in advance and advice should be given on the actions to take when the bullying occurs.

This is important for the following reasons:

Internet bullying often occurs in the absence of adults.

Children often assume that reporting it to their parents will only make the situation worse.

The anonymity and low likelihood of being punished leads people to do things they would not do in other circumstances (e.g., may tell a person things they would not say in person).

Internet bullying is technically easy. It takes a few clicks of the mouse to send a malicious message or publish an offensive text that is accessible to a wide audience.

Tip

Even if your child has not encountered online abuse, it is advisable to discuss the following with him or her:

  • Do not disseminate contact or personal information, such as photos, without carefully considering the possible consequences. Interactive friendships can end. When that happens, personal information can be sent to abusers.
  • On the Internet, everyone has the right to be treated with respect.
  • A chat room, email client, or computer can be shut down or turned off at any time.
  • Children should be given the opportunity to talk to their parents about negative experiences.

Remember

The Internet is subject to the same regulations and laws as in real life. Slandering or insulting other users is prohibited on the Internet. This may be considered libel, for which the user may be subject to punishment and liability for damages. Some actions that required a few clicks are very difficult to undo, and children may not realize how serious the situation can become.

Remember that anonymous users can often be traced. However, police will not take any action in the absence of a reason to suspect someone of a crime.

  • If a child receives malicious emails or text messages:
  • Tell your child not to open such messages or messages from complete strangers.
  • You should not respond to malicious messages. However, these messages should be saved in case another person is in the same situation.
  • If you find out the sender goes to the same school as the child, contact the school administration.
  • If the abuse persists, you can change the child’s email address or phone number.

Additional rules:

  • Abusive messages can be saved for later action.
  • In addition, you can set the email program settings so that messages from a particular sender go in a separate folder. In this case, the child will not have to read them.
  • If you know the sender’s e-mail address, you can send a copy of the malicious e-mail to the ISP and have them delete it.
  • If the sender’s email address is unknown, contact your ISP for assistance.
  • If you find abusive text or pictures of your child on the Internet:
  • Save any pages on which this material was found for future reference.
  • If a service provider can be identified by the site or address, contact the service provider. The service provider may remove the text and likely reveal the identity of the author.
  • Alternatively, you can ask your own ISP to contact the administrator of the site in question and request that the material be removed.
  • If the abuse is very serious and constitutes a crime, contact the police.