In as many ways as one can be bullied in person, the possibilities are raised substantially when online technologies are thrown into the mix. As some recent cases have shown, the results of cyberbullying can often be more damaging than face-to-face harassment, due to a lack of understanding about what it is and what can be done to stop it.
The mask of anonymity provided by the Internet is one of the unique aspects of cyberbullying that can make it as harmful, if not more, as bullying in the flesh. Gangs can grow larger, faster, and the insults more crushing as the identities of the aggressors are easily concealed. In a cruel twist, the campaign against the victim becomes all the more public.
The open nature of social networks and instant messaging services means that even those not engaging in bullying themselves can often see exactly what it is going on. This may make them feel less inhibited should they decide to join in or, otherwise, less inclined to do anything about it given that it's "only the Internet".
Despite the fact that online bullies may be able to hide behind an alias, Dr Marilyn Parker, a cyberbullying expert at the Queensland University of Technology, believes this is only a superficial feature of the cyberbullying problem. In her experience, she's found that the children being bullied online, are usually also being bullied in the schoolyard.
"Kids have a seamless online and offline social life," said Dr Parker. "It's pretty consistent with face-to-face bullying; the [cyber] bullies are often the face-to-face bullies."
But she also believes the problem can snowball with greater force than bullying in person because friends of bullies who may not normally taunt a victim face-to-face can often find it easier to do so online, due to the detachment provided by the Internet.
"They're not necessarily the kinds of bullies who don't have any empathy, they're just being thoughtless," Dr Parker added.
Dr Parker considers cyberbullying to be a "social relationship problem", and as such, one that isn't easy to fight with technological solutions. But almost as damaging is the lack of understanding as to what technological options are available to stem cyberbullying.
"Adults tend to confuse online predators and paedophilia with cyberbullying, and can look at them as one and the same," she said.
"What they can often do is to try and apply cybersafety strategies to cyberbullying. They'll go along with simplistic messages like 'don't put your full name on the Internet' and that kind of thing."
Adding to the problem is how few cyberbullying incidents are reported. While Dr Parker sees a correlation between those who are bullied face-to-face and those who experience cyberbullying, other studies have shown there are a substantial number of cyberbullying victims who don't experience bullying in real life, so the problem can be taken less seriously by all involved.
According to Parker, instant messaging services are one of the top two technologies where cyberbullying takes place. So, what can be done about it?
If you have a friend who's being victimised online, or are target of cyberbullying yourself, here are a few things you can do to stymie bullies using Windows Live Messenger, as well as some other online services.
Block those contacts
It may seem overly simple, but the tough part is accepting the fact that some of the worst bullies can be people in your peer group. They may not be your friends, but it's a good chance they're part of your contact list on Messenger. So take that step — right click on the name of the person bothering you, hit block contact on the drop-down menu and be done with them.
Appear offline
Unlike in real life, it can sometimes be a lot easier to "just ignore" bullies online by changing your Messenger status to "Appear offline" (click on the status bar right next to your name at the top of the Messenger window). This is very simple advice again, but bullying is about power and attention, and there are few quicker ways to silence a bully than to simply shut the gate. It may take a while but it will work.
Take screenshots or copy threatening exchanges
If things start to get more serious and someone makes physical threats against you, you should keep a record of it. Even making verbal threats of physical aggression is a matter than can be taken as far as the police. If it does get to that stage, or even to the stage of reporting the problem to a school principal or counsellor, you're going to want some evidence to back it up.
One of the most effective things you can do is take a screenshot of the threatening message or exchange; a screenshot will leave little room for any dispute over who sent the message, or its authenticity. If you want to take screenshots, download a free screenshot program and have it at the ready.
Alternatively, you can copy and paste the message into a document you can save. Make sure to include as much of the small print as you can, such as the time it was sent, who it was sent by (including their display name) and any other detail that will prove it is a real message, not just a bogus threat you might have typed up yourself on Microsoft Word.
Take control of your wall
Cyberbullying is not just confined to instant messaging programs. Social networking sites such as Facebook can be equally as troublesome if you're being picked on. The first thing to do is to take charge of your wall — it's a soft target for cyberbullies, and all the more tempting because it is open to the public.
The privacy options in most social networking services will allow you to moderate the posts on your wall, so you get to check and approve them before they go public. You can do this on your Windows Live profile by clicking on the permissions link at the top of your profile page and selecting who can post or see notes about you, or comment on your photos.
Contact the administrators
Has someone posted a nasty or threatening video about you on YouTube, or has persisted with their offensive posts on your profile? In these cases, it's worth telling the people who manage the service. A lot of us are under the false impression that if we send an e-mail or a message to the helpdesk of a major online service, it will simply be answered by an automated service before being consigned to the scrap box. But real people do check them, and they can take action; so let them know if you're in trouble.
Remember, if you are being bullied, online or off, and you feel as though you can't talk to anyone else about it, you can call the Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 and speak to a counsellor anonymously.
Have you been affected by cyberbullying? Do you think it is a serious problem? Let us know below.
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