Post by Cat on May 26, 2018 15:59:32 GMT -5
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place in the digital realm via emails, instant messaging, social networking, and etc. It involves the creation of an imbalance of power through aggression, and negative actions that are often repeated.
The anonymity and accessibility of the online world makes it easy for cyberbullies to attack their victims. The accessibility means that at any time a cyberbully can antagonize their victim or create multiple accounts through social media to sow havoc. The anonymity allows them to engage in behaviors that they wouldn't otherwise do face-to-face. This allows for a near constant bombardment that can leave a devastating emotional impact on the victim. They can experience anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even withdraw from social circles.
Reporting cyberbullying can be scary for a victim. They may fear emotional repercussions, real-life threats, or even suffer victim-blaming. If you experience cyberbullying, it is crucial to remember that - even if you don't think so - you have support and protection from us in reporting your bullies. Cyberbullying is not tolerated in the NationStates community as it’s against NS Terms of Service, and your report will be handled to ensure you are safe from further harm. You should be willing to give over any documents such as message logs, or screenshots and work with those looking into your claim. For guides on how to report cyberbullying on off-site forums, instant messenger services, etc. Please check our resource page.
Cyberbullying in NationStates can take multiple forms, but there are six forms of cyberbullying that are most common:
- Harassment: Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages.
- Denigration: information about another that is derogatory and untrue or sending digitally altered photos of someone.
- Flaming: text using electronic messages with angry, vulgar language.
- Impersonation: Breaking into an account and using that person's online identity to send or post vicious or embarrassing material to/about others.
- Outing and Trickery: Sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information, or tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information and forwarding it to others.
- Cyber Stalking: Repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm, are highly intimidating, or engaging in other online activities that make a person afraid for his or her safety.
Signs that someone is being Cyberbullied
- The victim suddenly stops using the computer, even though they always enjoyed it before.
- The victim hides their computer screen.
- The victim seems nervous or jumpy when they receive an online message.
- The victim allowed bullying indirectly (e.g being coerced to remain friends with someone who does so, or defamation of your character in a “he-said, she-said” style argument. ).
- The victim appears upset after using the computer or being online
- The victim appears sad, moody, or anxious
- The victim doesn't want to sign in on discord or play nationstates.
- The victim becomes withdrawn.