Cyberbullying
Simon and his friends are often on their phones. Setting up whatsapp group chats and scrolling instagram and news feeds. They don’t all live near each other and some get the bus into school. Whatsapp is a great way for them to ‘hang out’ without actually seeing each other. Sometimes Simon scrolls the news on his phone on the way to school…..
1. Simon was reading the news when...
2. People in his school started texting him mean things.
3. Simon ran home from school crying his eyes out, asking himself what he had done to deserve this?
What would you do if this happened to you?
of people picked this option.
"Speak to a friend about the messages that you have been receiving."
Talking to a friend can be a good way of sharing how you’re feeling about what is happening. They may be able to give you advice or support you in going to talk to a trusted adult about what is happening. Remember, good friendships make you feel good. Good friends support each other. It is normal to have friendship difficulties, but if messages are threatening, make you feel scared or really sad it is important that you talk to someone about what is happening to keep you safe and stop you from getting really really sad. It isn’t ok to send threatening messages to people.
of people picked this option.
"Seek advice from a family member."
This is a good option if you have someone in your family, a parent, older sibling or supportive uncle or aunt that you trust. It is likely that trusted adults in your life will have experienced friendship difficulties and will be able to give you some options to consider about how to deal with the situation. If they are trusted you can be sure that the advice they give you, even if difficult, is likely to be the right thing. It isn’t ok to send threatening messages to people.
of people picked this option.
"Get support from a teacher at the school. "
This is a good option if you have someone in your school that you trust. It is likely that trusted adults in your life will have experienced friendship difficulties and will be able to give you some options to consider about how to deal with the situation. If they are trusted you can be sure that the advice they give you, even if difficult, is likely to be the right thing. It isn’t ok to send threatening messages to people.
of people picked this option.
"Confront the people that have been sending you nasty messages."
It is important that the people sending these messages are made aware that what they are doing is wrong. If you feel able to you may want to tell them how it is making you feel. If you plan to do this you need to consider where you do this and maybe have a good friend with you for support. Confrontation can be scary and can sometimes get uncomfortable for both the bully and the person receiving threats. Doing it in school or somewhere an adult could help if needed is a good idea. It is probably best not to confront bullies if you are alone. Standing up for yourself is a good thing, but these messages are very threatening and you need to think if this is the safest option. Sharing your concerns with another person, friend or adult is a good option. It is not ok to send threatening messages.
of people picked this option.
"Do nothing"
Doing nothing may feel like the most comfortable option at the time. Particularly if you are thinking of all of the things that might happen if you do tell on them or confront them. It is NOT ok to send threatening messages. If you feel scared or upset it is better to share this with someone you trust.