Banishing Bullying on the Internet

October 22, 2014 — 11 Comments

Bully

Our cyber world includes unhealthy relationships of all kinds. I am pleased to be free of bullying and the kind of scary stalking that happens on-line. I have many public profiles and none has been hacked or used to attack me. I have, however, been witness to some questionable bullying in public which I remember and avoid forever after. October is Anti Bullying Month, and as people come forward to discuss this subject more openly in public it is obvious we need more than just a month to remedy this crisis.  The relative anonymity, and/or authenticity of on-line relationships is bringing out the very worst in some people’s personalities.  I don’t believe many of these wimpy cyber bullies and stalkers who insult and badger others would have the nerve to be so bold in person.  Still, the offensive transactions often take place in public streams.  What can those of us who are observers of this behavior do to stop it in our on-line relationships?

• Speak up in support of the victim when appropriate
• Shun, ban, block and ignore bullies who spread vitriol
• Check your own on-line statements for possible offensive mistakes in communication
• Report real harassment and threats to law enforcement

I think it would be so fine if we had an internet Officer White, who would take the bullies to internet detention to school them.  His advise is as good for the trolls and the stalkers of profiles and blogs as it is for elementary students.  Officer White breaks it down so we all see that we have a responsibility:

The fact that education is so widely affected by this horrible trend is a national disgrace.  The tolerance for the acts or threats that terrorize individuals and groups at school must end.  Education has little chance to flourish in such a toxic environment.  Adults need to set good examples in our own behavior and commitments as well as guide young people to treat each other in our institutions of learning with civil respect.  Power should not be handed over to bullies in society.  There can be no happy results to that strategy.  The victim, however, is an archetype all of us will play at some time during our lives.  All of us have the experience of abuse of power on both ends, even if it was only in childhood with siblings.  We take advantage of others, and also allow others to take advantage of us.  It is part of learning how to survive to adulthood.  Those of us who have made it to adulthood owe it to the young people to set a safe and sane example on the internet.  How do you stay safe, Gentle Reader?  Have you experienced bullying as a result of your on-line presence?