Polari Facts this issue is brought to you via the experts at Act Against Bullying. To mark the upcoming Anti-Bullying week the subject is the insidious world of cyberbullying. Our thanks to the founder of Act Against Bullying, Louise Burfitt-Dons, for these insights.

“Cyberbullying can be one of the most unpleasant experiences you can encounter. It normally has the same menacing effect as being ‘stalked’. My advice to victims is not to respond to any uncomfortable messages as this only serves to encourage the bully.   Print out any threatening messages and do your own sleuthing to trace IP addresses and websites.  Cyberbullying usually leaves a trail of evidence that other forms of exclusion bullying doesn’t.  It is very tempting to want to go on the defensive or even react angrily, but this can cause further problems. So, wherever possible, sit on your mouse!” – Louise Burfitt-Dons

TEXTS

Don’t reply to offensive text messaging or video messaging
Don’t leave your mobile lying around
Don’t give out your mobile number to strangers
Don’t hesitate to contact your mobile service provider: Orange, Vodaphone etc. who will help you trace the abuser

CHATROOMS

Don’t give out personal information
Don’t let on if you are a child
Don’t let on where you live
Don’t let on which school you go to
Don’t answer abusive posts
Don’t be drawn into scandalous discussion
Don’t write nasty comments
Don’t write overtly sexual comments

EMAILS

Don’t answer unpleasant emails.
Don’t hesitate to RIGHT CLICK emails to track the sender
Don’t use the ‘CLICK AND STOP RECEIVING’ box
Don’t treat emails like a fun conversation – they are legally binding

WEB

Don’t put up with abusive photographs posted by so-called friends.
Don’t hesitate to report offensive sites to the IWF.
Do trace the site by going to www.geektools.com.
Don’t hesitate to tell someone who is computer savvy if you think there is a fake site.
Don’t read unflattering remarks on blogs if they upset you

Most importantly: Don’t let cybercrims win. Enjoy the internet for the reasons it was created which was to communicate in a positive fashion.