3.2 Describe the cyberbullying behaviours

Summary

Definition of Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying includes harmful behaviours using technology to intimidate, harass, or distress individuals, often occurring on social media, messaging apps, and online forums.
Types of Behaviours: Key behaviours include harassment (spam messages, hateful comments), impersonation (fake accounts), outing (revealing personal information), exclusion from groups, flaming (provocative language), cyberstalking, and trickery for information gathering.
Psychological Tactics: Cyberbullies use tactics like gaslighting, manipulation, and public humiliation to control or embarrass victims, often maintaining anonymity and persistence in their actions.
Impact and Prevention: The effects of cyberbullying can lead to emotional distress, social isolation, and academic struggles. Preventive measures involve education, technological tools, and support systems from guardians and educators to create a safer online environment.

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Describe the cyberbullying behaviours.

Cyberbullying involves various behaviours that use technology to harm, intimidate, or harass others. These actions can take place on social media, messaging apps, online forums, and more. Recognising these behaviours is the first step in addressing and preventing cyberbullying.

Types of Cyberbullying Behaviours

Different behaviours can constitute cyberbullying. Each has its own method and impact.

Harassment

Harassment is a persistent offensive or threatening behaviour. This occurs through:

Spam Messages: Sending unwanted messages to overwhelm or disturb.
Hateful Comments: Posting negative remarks on social media or forums.

Impersonation

Impersonation involves pretending to be another person online.

Fake Accounts: Creating profiles to mimic someone else.
Posting False Information: Sharing content under someone else’s identity.

Outing

Outing is the act of sharing someone’s personal information without permission.

Revealing Secrets: Publicly disclosing private details.
Distributing Photos: Sharing embarrassing or intimate pictures.

Exclusion

Exclusion is a deliberate act of leaving someone out from an online community or group.

Group Chats: Not allowing someone to join or participate.
Social Events: Ignoring invites or participation on platforms.

Flaming

Flaming is the use of inflammatory language in discussions. It includes:

Argumentative Posts: Engaging in fights to provoke reactions.
Offensive Language: Using abusive or derogatory terms.

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking includes monitoring, following, or tracking someone’s online activities.

Constant Messaging: Sending continuous messages to intimidate.
Tracking Software: Using apps to monitor someone’s location or behaviour.

Trickery

Trickery involves deceiving others to gather private information and then sharing it.

False Friendship: Gaining trust to access personal details.
Spreading Data: Distributing the gathered information.

Platforms Where Cyberbullying Occurs

Cyberbullying can happen across multiple digital platforms.

Social Media

Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are common venues.

Comments and Posts: Bullies use these to publicly shame or insult.
Direct Messaging: Sending harmful private messages.

Messaging Apps

Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Snapchat are often used.

Group Chats: Excluding or targeting individuals in group conversations.
Disappearing Messages: Sending threats that vanish after being read.

Online Forums and Games

Forums and gaming communities can be breeding grounds for bullying.

Game Chats: Using voice or text chat to abuse others during games.
Forum Posts: Publicly posting harmful content about a person.

Psychological Tactics in Cyberbullying

Various tactics are used by cyberbullies to control or distress their victims.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation.

Denial: Bullies deny previous harmful actions.
Confusion: Making the victim doubt their memory or perception.

Manipulation

Manipulation involves influencing someone’s emotions or actions.

Guilt-Tripping: Making the victim feel responsible for the bullying.
Conditional Friendships: Offering friendship only under certain conditions.

Public Humiliation

Public humiliation aims to embarrass or shame the victim.

Tagging: Mentioning victims in shameful or false posts.
Viral Content: Sharing content that rapidly spreads online.

Characteristics of Cyberbullies

Various characteristics define a cyberbully’s behaviour.

Anonymity

Cyberbullies often hide their identity.

Fake Profiles: Using pseudonyms to remain anonymous.
Anonymous Messaging: Communicating without revealing themselves.

Persistence

Cyberbullies may continue their actions over time.

Night and Day Attacks: The bullying can happen any time, making it relentless.
Multi-Platform: Using several platforms to reach the victim.

Aggressiveness

Aggressiveness is a key trait, showing in communication style.

Hostile Language: Using harsh and aggressive words.
Persistent Intimidation: Constant threats or messages.

Impact of Cyberbullying Behaviours

Cyberbullying affects victims in severe ways across different areas of life.

Emotional Effects

Victims often experience:

Anxiety: Increased feeling of worry about being online.
Depression: Feelings of sadness and hopelessness due to bullying.

Social Effects

Bullying impacts social interactions.

Isolation: Withdrawing from online and offline social situations.
Eroded Trust: Difficulty in trusting peers or forming friendships.

Academic Consequences

Cyberbullying can lead to academic issues.

Declined Performance: Difficulty concentrating on studies.
Absenteeism: Skipping school to avoid bullying scenarios.

Prevention of Cyberbullying Behaviours

Preventive measures are essential for combating cyberbullying.

Education

Promoting awareness helps in recognising and addressing these behaviours.

Workshops: Sessions for students, teachers, and parents.
Information Campaigns: Distributing materials on identifying and responding to cyberbullying.

Technological Tools

Use tech features to counter cyberbullying.

Privacy Settings: Adjust these to control who sees personal information.
Report Features: Reporting tools on platforms help address harassment.

Support Systems

Establishing support networks aids victims and prevents bullying.

Counselling Services: Providing professional help.
Peer Support Groups: Offering a safe environment to share experiences.

Role of Guardians and Educators

Guardians and educators play a significant role in mitigating cyberbullying.

Vigilance

Encourage careful monitoring of digital activities.

Supervision: Keep an eye on app usage and interactions.
Open Communication: Maintain dialogue about online experiences.

Guide and Support

Provide guidance and report inappropriate behaviours.

Educational Support: Offer resources and strategies.
Collaborate with Schools: Work together to address any incidents.

Cyberbullying is a complex issue. It’s essential to recognise and understand behaviours to effectively combat and prevent it. Collaborative effort across society is needed to create a safer digital environment for all children and young people.