Stand Up to Cyberbullying

You can help stop cyberbullies by standing up for yourself or someone else.

We spend lots of time online. We text, we comment, we share. It’s a big part of our lives.
But communicating with someone online is just like talking to them in real life.

Everyone appreciates politeness and no one likes it when people make fun, or spread gossip, rumors or lies.

The fact is that some people do try to hurt others online.

It’s called – cyber bullying – and it’s a lose-lose situation:

It makes the person being harassed feel bad – and it makes the bully look bad.

It might lead to trouble with school authorities or even the police.

If someone is harassing you online, it’s important not to respond.

That’s because bullies are looking for a reaction. Block them if you can, ignore them if you can’t.

If it continues, save the evidence and ask an adult for help.

And don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, or to stand up for someone else being cyber bullied.

This behavior usually stops pretty quickly when someone speaks up.

And when you’re communicating online – remember to treat people the way you’d like to be treated.

Know how to handle yourself, because being online is part of your life.

So stop and think before you click.

~ The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices.