What is online bullying?
Online bullying is when individuals use Internet-enabled devices to bully, hurt or embarrass someone online. According to Netsafe(external link), online bullying can take many forms like:
- name calling,
- repeated unwanted messages,
- spreading rumours or lies,
- fake accounts used to harass people,
- excluding people from social activities, and
- embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.
Protecting vulnerable youth
While all young people can experience online bullying, some vulnerable communities such as rainbow youth experience higher rates, for example, rainbow youth, young people with disabilities or youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. For these communities the Internet can be a vital resource to connect with likeminded individuals, explore their identities and reduce feelings of isolation, and it is important that educators are aware of the increased risks that young people and vulnerable communities may be exposed to online.
Websites
The below organisations provide resources and advice on where to get help and support around online bullying:
Bullying-Free NZ is a central hub for New Zealand schools and provides guidance, resources and tools for schools to review, plan, and implement bullying prevention approaches.
- Bullying-Free NZ(external link) – School resources
Cyber Bulling NZ provides information and advice for teachers and principals about online bullying, its impact and how to prevent it among students.
- Cyber Bulling NZ(external link) – Advice for teachers
Educational programmes
Netsafe have lots of resources for teachers to understand cyberbullying and how to prevent it.
Empowerment Trust have resources, in-person interactive workshops and webinars with a specific focus on preventing online bullying.
Videos
The Eggplant is a drama-crime-comedy online web series to help young Kiwis safely navigate the Internet. This episode highlights the harm online bullying causes and encourages young people to stop and think about the impact their online actions have.
Rewrite Your Story are a series of short videos based on real-life examples of online bullying which help prompt discussions about young people’s experiences and how they can get help.