Cyberbullying, Human rights and bystanders

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Table Of Contents

1. About bullying
2. What are the impacts of cyberbullying?
3. What is the Commission doing about cyberbullying and bystanders?
4. Getting help
5. Where can I get more help?
6. Other useful resources

Getting help

Practical bystander actions to take if you witness bullying^[27]

• Make it clear to your friends that you won't be involved in bullying behaviour
• Never stand by and watch or encourage bullying behaviour
• Do not harass, tease or spread gossip about others this includes on social networking sites (e.g. Facebook) or through other technologies
• Never forward on messages or pictures that may be offensive or upsetting
• If you see someone being bullied, keep safe and choose an appropriate response
• If it is safe name the behaviour
• Support the person who is being bullied to ask for help
• Ask a responsible adult for help and report to appropriate authorities if necessary

If you are being bullied online^[28]

• Ignore it and don't respond to the message or images
• Save the evidence
• Block and delete the sender
• Tell trusted friends, teachers, parents and the police if necessary.
• Report it to:
  • the school –your school should have policies to prevent bullying and cyberbullying
  • the website, social networking site, internet service provider or administrator
  • the police – if there is a threat to safety call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or 000 for emergencies

^Top

^[27] Drawn from Bullying No Way!, an educational resource established by state, territory and Commonwealth education departments. At http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/who/default.shtml at 26 November 2010.

^[28] Drawn from ACMA, Teens Tips and Advice, Cyberbullying. At http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Teens/Tips%20and%20advice/Cyberbullying.aspx (viewed 8 February 2011); National Centre Against Bullying. At http://www.ncab.org.au/bullying (viewed December 2010).