Social Media focus – Someone is being mean to me online

This week’s focus from the eSafety Commissioner website talks about what to do if someone is being mean to you. A key guideline here is to be kind to everyone and report to your parents/caregivers if someone is being mean to you. There are further guidelines listed below.

As already mentioned in previous newsletters, the eSafety Commissioner Government website is an excellent resource for educators, students and parents in providing advice, guidance and support in dealing with online issues or concerns.

What does Cyberbullying look like?

• hurtful messages, comments or images
• messages, posts or comments that say someone will do something mean
• leaving you out or ignoring you online
• spreading lies about you online
• creating fake online profiles in someone’s name to trick you
• sharing something online that can hurt you or make you feel bad, like a picture you don’t want anyone to see
• threatening to share something online that will hurt you or make you feel bad
• making you feel very sad, very scared or very upset

Remember:

• No one deserves to be hurt online
• Be kind to yourself – it’s not your fault
• Cyberbullying can make you feel very alone and scared, but there is help available

What to do

1. Get help from a trusted adult — or call Kids Helpline
2. Get help from the police if you are in immediate serious danger.
3. Try not to say anything back — it could make things worse.
4. Keep evidence — an adult can help you take screenshots or keep a journal in case you need evidence to report it.
5. Block or report them — most games and apps have a way to block or report someone. See the eSafety Guide for links.
6. Report to eSafety — you can report cyberbullying. The eSafety team can help to remove bullying content and get you help and support.

Please refer to the link below for more information.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids/I-want-help-with/someone-is-being-mean-to-me-online