Cyberbullying

If you are being deliberately harassed or bullied online, you have the right to tell someone about it. It can be really upsetting to be deliberately attacked or humiliated online. If you are being bullied in any way, whether cyberbullied or physically bullied, you have the right to talk to your parents or someone you trust like a teacher or a friend. You are not powerless, there are steps you can take and you can learn to be "webwise".

Take Action

There are some things you can do if this is happening to you

  • You have the right to tell someone, like your parents, or a trusted adult that this is happening.
  • You can block the bully from your site.
  • On some mobile phones you can restrict people to an approved list, you might need to check the manual or ask someone to help
  • You have the right to report it or file a complaint with the website, ISP, or mobile phone company.  Look for the "Report Abuse" button or contact Customer Care

For more tips and information on things you can do, visit www.webwise.ie

Be in Control

There are some things you can do on your space to prevent it happening again

  • Change password and contact details.
  • Block unwanted contacts.
  • Report abuse on the site - to mobile operators or social networking providers.

For more tips and information on how to keep control of you space, visit www.watchyourspace.ie

Remember

It is not your fault if this is happening. If you receive unwanted comments or texts or someone is making you feel uncomfortable or upset, it is understandable you want it to stop. You have the right to tell someone and maybe ask someone you trust to read over them with you.

Some messages may be seen as harassment, which is a crime. If someone sends you messages or images that make you uncomfortable, upset and are sent to abuse, annoy or harass, you can report it to your internet service provider.

Taking some preventative steps about what you post online will help you stay in control of your online life. You'll find more information on www.webwise.ie and www.watchyourspace.ie