Even if many feel immune to cyberbullying, ANYONE can become a victim
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This video from the non-profit organization “ Weisser Ring ” painfully shows how quickly you can become a victim of cyberbullying attacks. Cyberbullying is still not taken seriously enough. Making fun of others seems to have become almost socially acceptable - especially on the Internet.
The digital world offers a very big advantage for users who want to harm others: anonymity .
Cyberbullying is nothing more than intentionally insulting, threatening, embarrassing or harassing others via the Internet or mobile phone over a longer period of time. The perpetrators look for a victim who cannot or only with difficulty defend themselves against the attacks. A power imbalance arises, which the perpetrators exploit, while the victim is socially isolated. Cyberbullying takes place on the Internet (social networks, video portals) and via smartphones (instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, annoying calls).
In addition, many who were just onlookers feel invited or encouraged to also attack the victim. This pyramid scheme has already destroyed livelihoods, which often ended in suicide.
The rest, on the other hand, don't feel affected - as long as it doesn't happen to me, I don't care. And then the day comes when they too become victims. Because it is often impossible to predict which content will be used as a target for cyberbullying. As shown in the video, a vacation photo can be enough.
What can I do?
- Stay calm!
Don't let self-doubt control you. Because: You are okay the way you are – there is nothing wrong with you! - Ban and block users who harass you!
In most social networks, forums and messenger services, unwanted people can be blocked . Take advantage of this offer because you don't have to deal with anyone bothering you. If you are being harassed by calls or messages, you can have your cell phone number changed. - Do not answer!
Don't respond to messages that make you feel harassed! Because often that is exactly what the sender wants to achieve. If you write back, the bullying may only get worse. - Solid evidence!
Find out how to take copies/screenshots of unpleasant messages, pictures or chats. This allows you to show others what happened. In addition, the evidence makes it easier to find the perpetrator. - Talk about it!
If you have problems, talk to adults you trust (parents, siblings, cousins, teacher, neighbor, aunt/uncle, etc.). You can get free and anonymous telephone help from 147 Advice on Wire (Tel. 147 without area code; Austria). - Report problems!
Don't just accept harassment, inform the website operators immediately. You can find tips on this in the Saferinternet.at guidelines incidents that may be illegal - Support victims!
If you notice that someone else is being harassed via cell phone or the Internet, don't look away , but help him/her and report the incident. When the perpetrator notices that the victim is not being left alone, the insults often stop quickly. - Protect your privacy!
Be careful what information you provide online. Your personal information (email address, home address, cell phone number or private photos) could be used against you by others. Pay particular attention to keeping your login details secret and using strong passwords - Know your rights!
If you don't allow it, no one is allowed to post photos of you on the Internet that expose you (see: Right to your own image ). In addition, no one is allowed to mock or insult you in front of others. Cyberbullying is a punishable offense and can have legal consequences . - I trust you!
The important thing is that you believe in yourself and don't let others talk you into it. Don't let others try to put you or someone else down, and don't let anyone else put you down either!
Together we are strong? What bullies can do, victims can do too! And this doesn't mean taking revenge or becoming a bully yourself, but rather getting help and becoming strong in the group.
The WEISSE RING has stood by victims for 40 years. Around 3,200 volunteers in 420 field offices and 18 regional associations provide human support for victims and their relatives. You can issue advice checks for legal and psychotraumatological initial consultations as well as for legal medical examinations. The WEISSER RING's victim support workers go to the police and authorities . And in financial emergencies related to the crime, they can also provide victims with financial support from the association.
Because bullies are only as strong if you give them power over yourself.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )