Tips for Dealing with Cyberbuylling and Online Privacy

Technology means that bullying is no longer limited to schools yards, playgrounds or street corners. According to a recent AT&T study, 52 percent of young people report being cyberbullied and 55 percent have witnessed outright bullying on social media. Of those who witnessed bullying on social media, 95 percent report that others, like them, have ignored the behavior.

Cyberbullying is so important to address because of the constant contact kids have with phones and the internet today. It occurs via text, e-mail, video games, social media, and more; on computers, phones, tablets, and others.

As San Diego kids go back to school, AT&T San Diego has compiled practical tips to help kids take steps to prevent cyberbullying and protect online privacy before it starts or becomes worse.

• USE AVAILABLE SETTINGS. Most apps and services allow you to block people and report problems. Browse the app or service to get familiar with its capabilities and the settings in the case that you are being bullied online.
• PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY. Be sure to password-protect your phone and not to share passwords with anyone. Make a strong password by using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols- but make sure you can remember it!
• SAVE EVIDENCE. In the case that you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, save the evidence. Be sure to capture the online bullying by taking a screenshot on your phone, tablet, or computer.
• LOG OFF. There is no sense in getting worked up over a bully. To assure that you respond in a calm manner, whether that means not responding at all, take a break from your phone or computer and step away for a bit.
• REACH OUT. Most importantly, find someone who will help and listen to you- maybe a friend, relative, or trusted adult. People are here to help you, so don't be afraid to reach out.