Cyberbullying

Bullying via electronic technology has created a new set of challenges. Bullying can take place 24 hours a day regardless of whether the perpetrator and victim are physically present. Like all information on the Internet, rumors, photos, and harassing content is hard to remove permanently and can quickly spread. The Bureau of Justice estimates that as much as nine percent of young people have experienced cyberbullying before graduating from high school.

What you can do

• Do not respond to or engage with cyberbullies.
• Save and print screenshots of content. Keep text messages and emails. Report the incident to ISU Police and provide the documented material.
• Use the reporting features of social networking sites to report concerns or block users.
• Support your friends and roommates. Victims of cyberbullying may start skipping classes or work, use alcohol or drugs, or withdraw from social activities. Report your concerns to Student Counseling Services or the Redbird CARE Team who can help respond.
• Be a friend. Reaching out to someone who has been bullied will help them know they are not alone and that someone cares.

Reporting an Abuse of Social Media Community Rules

Cyberbullying.org has an extensive list of contact numbers, email addresses, and links to reporting abuse of social media community rules on their website. If you cannot find the social media site or app on this list, try a web search for the name of the site and "report abuse". Once you have filed a report you may need to be persistent; social media companies sometimes respond very quickly, and sometimes move cautiously and provide the reported party and opportunity to defend their right to post the material.

If any social media post presents an immediate danger please call 911.