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What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. It also includes communication tools like social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Why Cyberbullying is Different
It can happen any time of the day or night. Kids who are being cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior. Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source. Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.


Hurtful messages sent using electronic technology are considered cyberbullying.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities. They connect kids with friends and family, help students with school, and are used for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.

Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to experience in-person bullying. They are also more likely to skip school, receive poor graders, and have lower self-esteem and more health problems.

Preventing Cyberbullying
Parents and kids can prevent cyberbullying. Together, they can explore safe ways to use technology.

Go over rules with your parents so you understand the appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology. For example, know what sites you are allowed to visit and what you are permitted to do when you are online.

Be smart about what you post or say. Do not share anything that could hurt or embarrass yourself or others. Once something is posted, it is out of your control whether someone else will forward it.


Cyberbullying takes many forms
Think about who you want to see the information and pictures you post online. Should complete strangers see it or friends only? What about friends of friends? Think about how people who are not friends could use it.

Keep your passwords safe, and do not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise your control over online identities and activities.

Reporting Cyberbullying
When cyberbullying happens, it is important to document and report the behavior so it can be addressed.

Do not respond to and do not forward cyberbullying messages. Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers. Block the person who is cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is often related to in-person bullying. It can create a disruptive environment at school. Report cyberbullying to a teacher or staff member. The school can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.

Source: StopBullying.gov, Public Domain, adapted by the Freckle Team


Questions
Which of the following inferences can you draw from the text? Select all that apply.

Cyberbullying is easier to get away with than in-person bullying.

Cyberbullying only happens anonymously.

Cyberbullying often occurs unbeknownst to parents.

Cyberbullying only happens at certain times of day.
What is the central idea of the text?

Cyberbullying often occurs when the person being bullied is also being picked on at school.

Cyberbullying occurs through electronic technology and, though difficult, can be traced and prevented.

Cyberbullying is a direct result of the advancement of cell phone and computer technology.

Cyberbullying is the same as in-person bullying.
What is the author’s purpose in writing this text?

To criticize people who have ever bullied someone before

To entertain people with stories of how bullies have been caught

To teach people about online technology that can be used to catch bullies

To inform people of what cyberbullying is and how to deal with it
How does the author support the claim that cyberbullying is a unique type of bullying? Select all that apply.

The author explains that cyberbullying can happen at all hours of the day.

The author explains that kids who are cyberbullied are often bullied in-person.

The author explains that it is harder to get away from cyberbullying.

The author explains that it is easier for cyberbullies to hide their identities.

Answer 1

1. **Which of the following inferences can you draw from the text? Select all that apply.**
- Cyberbullying is easier to get away with than in-person bullying.
- Cyberbullying often occurs unbeknownst to parents.

2. **What is the central idea of the text?**
- Cyberbullying occurs through electronic technology and, though difficult, can be traced and prevented.

3. **What is the author’s purpose in writing this text?**
- To inform people of what cyberbullying is and how to deal with it.

4. **How does the author support the claim that cyberbullying is a unique type of bullying? Select all that apply.**
- The author explains that cyberbullying can happen at all hours of the day.
- The author explains that it is harder to get away from cyberbullying.
- The author explains that it is easier for cyberbullies to hide their identities.