What is Bullying? What is Cyberbullying?
Bullying is when someone does or says something to hurt someone else, according to the KidsHelpPhone. It is always on purpose. Bullies can work on their own or in packs. Either way, bullying is about making someone feel small and powerless.
Bullying can occur in many different places - at home, at school, in the community and using electronic mediums. Electronic or cyber bullying is a form of bullying that uses electronic devices or the internet to threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude, or damage reputations and friendships. Various forms of electronic bullying include: text message bullying; picture/video-clip bullying via mobile phone cameras; phone call bullying via mobile phone; email bullying; chat room bullying; bullying through instant messaging (IM); and bullying via websites. (From Enter PREVNet)
How Do We Prevent Bullying & Cyberbullying?
No one asks to be bullied, and no one deserves it. It is important to remember that we can help stop bullying and cyberbullying. It is also important to remember that help is available and it is not your fault.
Below are a number of websites related to bullying and cyberbullying. They contain important information for youth, parents/guardians, and community members.
You may also want to learn more about the provincial Code of Conduct for schools in Nova Scotia.
Or to reach your local school board to discuss issues of bullying and cyberbullying, click here.
LGBT
Learn more about issues facing the LGBT community around the issue of bullying and cyberbullying. Read more here
Government / NGO
PREVNet – Canada’s national network of researchers, NGOs and governments committed to stop bullying, with important information for children, parents and teachers.
Stopbullying.gov – The U.S. government website aimed at preventing bullying
Public Safety Canada’s anti-bully report and webpage
Websites for Youth/Teens
Kids Help Phone – Kids
Kids Help Phone – Teens
Stop A Bully – An online program that allows students to report bullying to school officials.
Do the Right Thing - A Halifax musical theatre show about bullying with young actors
Getting Picked On - Advice questions about getting picked on - a website by PBS Kids
Websites for Parents/Guardians/Teachers/Community
Bullying.org and Cyberbullying.ca, popular websites aimed at increasing awareness about this issue.
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation page on cyberconduct and cyberbullying
Pink Shirt Day – News, videos and stories about bullying
Truro Police Department cybercop program
Define the Line - a website about cyberbullying, from Dr. Shaheen Shariff
Bell Aliant Cybersafe - creating a safer online experience for children and families
GetNetWise - Meeting Someone Online
GetNetWise - Online Safety Guide
GetNetWise - Tools for Families
Information about Racist Bullying - An interesting website by the Anti-Bullying Network in Scotland
