Just like the real world, there are people online that are bullies. But unlike the real world, these bullies are hiding behind their computer, cell phone, iPod touch, or other electronic device. And sometimes, you don’t even know who is bullying you.
textPlus cares about your safety and wants you to know that you’re not alone when it comes to cyberbullying. In addition to a host of resources like the Cyberbullying Research Center and iKeepSafe.org, which aim to help with practical ways to deal with online bullies, textPlus also has some tips to help you deal with these menaces:
If you are targeted by a cyberbully: Stop, block and tell! What does that mean?
- STOP! Don't do anything. Take 5! Calm down.
- Block! Block the cyberbully or limit all communications to those on your buddy list.
- Tell! Tell a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher. You don't have to face this alone.
Remember, you won’t make the situation better by lashing out and saying something you’ll regret forever. It’s better to take the high road. Besides, bullies get a rise out of you getting upset and responding. Don’t give into their game!
In addition, here are some other practical tips to keep bullying out of your life:
- Keep personal information private. One good way to make sure your information is private is to Google yourself and see what comes up under your name.
- Don’t be an accomplice. Remember, sometimes your friends can pull you into a bad situation and you can become part of the problem by allowing them to bully someone else.
- Words can hurt. Think twice before forwarding something that could hurt someone else.
- Support those being bullied. Show that you take a stand against cyberbullying. Teach the Stop, Block & Tell rule to your friends.
- Overall, practice the "Internet Golden Rule" and treat others with digital respect - aka, the way you'd like to be treated.
For more safety tips from textPlus, including how to block users that are bullying you, click here.