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Page 41 - Cyber Safety C-7
P. 41

    Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen at any time
                     and in many different online spaces, making it difficult for victims                           LOSER!
                                                                                                                    UGLY
                                                                                              STUPID
                     to escape. The effects of cyberbullying can be severe, impacting the
                     mental and emotional well-being of those affected.
                                                                                                                     UGLY
                     How Cyberbullying Works

                     Cyberbullying primarily relies on two key factors i.e., tactics used

                     by the bully and the role of anonymity. Some of the tactics used are
                     as follows:
                         Mean messages: Bullies send hurtful texts or online messages to cause emotional harm.

                         Spreading rumours: False information is shared to damage someone’s reputation.

                         Exclusion: Victims are deliberately left out of group chats or online games.
                          Impersonation: Bullies pretend to be someone else online to harm or confuse others.

                          Flaming: Posting hostile or aggressive messages online, often to provoke or upset others.

                     Anonymity or hiding behind a screen, makes it easier for bullies to attack others without being
                     identified. This lack of accountability allows the bully to act with less fear of getting caught. As a
                     result, victims may find it much harder to stop the bullying, leading to feelings of helplessness and
                     a sense of being trapped. The online nature of cyberbullying can lead to emotional scars that are
                     not easily healed, affecting the victim’s mental well-being.

                     Difference between Bullying and Cyberbullying

                     Some of the difference between bullying and cyberbullying are as follows:

                             Aspect                      Bullying                           Cyberbullying

                         Location          Happens  in  person, usually  at  Happens  online  through  phones,
                                           school, playground or on the way  computers or other digital devices.
                                           home.

                         Type of Action    Includes teasing, pushing or saying  Involves sending hurtful messages,
                                           hurtful things directly to someone. sharing      embarrassing      photos,
                                                                                 spreading  rumours or creating
                                                                                 fake accounts.
                         Audience          Only a few people may witness it.     It can reach a large audience

                                                                                 quickly as posts and messages can
                                                                                 be forwarded.
                         Anonymity         The bully can be easily identified.   The  bully may  stay  anonymous,
                                                                                 making it harder to stop.

                         Escape            The victim can often get away by  It can happen anytime,  even at
                                           moving to a different place.          home, making it harder to escape.

                                                                                 Cyberbullying—Recognising and Responding  39

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