As a digital marketing company we are heavily involved with online social networks and it is our responsibility to not only be aware of what is happening on these social networks but also to raise awareness of the issues and to provide as much advice as we are qualified to give.

Cybermentors was launched this month to provide support to those suffering at the hands of cyberbullies, it is a horrible thought to think that around 70% of children have been bullied and 50% have been bullied online; whats even more harrowing is the fact that around 20 children a year commit suicide because they are being the target of bullying.

What is Cyberbullying?

The Cybermentors provides the following definition:

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology, like the internet or a mobile phone, to deliberately hurt, humiliate, harass, or threaten someone else.

Cyberbullying includes things like:

• Sending nasty or threatening texts or emails
• Posting abusive messages online – on a social networking site, in a chatroom, or using IM
• Posting humiliating videos or pictures online, or sending them on to other people
• Taking on someone else’s identity online in order to upset them
• Setting up a hate site or a hate group on a SNS site
• Prank calling

As responsible adults we should all take it upon ourselves to report any of the above behavior if we should come across it online and teach our children to respond the same if they or any of their friend become the victim of online abuse, don’t be fooled into thinking these cyberbullies will never be caught although many people post messages anonymously or  using a false name or email address can be traced and banned by social networks and email providers if they’re found to be bullying others.

• If you manage a website, email service or social network website that is used by young people then it is your responsibility that it is being used safely:

• Compile a code of conduct that bans any of the behaviour listed above excluding any members that fail to adhere to it.

• Make sure that young people who use your messaging, email, mobile or web service know that any messages they send or post may be read by an adult.

• Provide links to cyberbullying resources and gives as much information on the matter as possible

• Clearly state throughout the website that abusive behaviour and cyberbullying is not allowed on the website

The CyberMentors campaign aims to provide help and guidance to young internet users, the site features a chat room where registered users can talk with trained CyberMentors and also has a lot of cool features such as videos from celebrities who have suffered from bullying in the past. Many people would be surprised to see boxer Joe Calzaghe as one of the main spokespeople for the campaign, but as a child he, like many other children across the nation, was the victim of bullies. Seeing inspirational people such as Calzaghe talk about their experiences and provide advice to children through the Cybermentors website will hopefully change how young people handle and react to online harassment, making the internet a less volatile place than it already seems to have turned into.

Businesses

Of course cyberbullying affects adults and businesses as much as it does with young people. With the internet becoming an integral part of the average working day and with the increasing popularity of mobile internet devices such as Blackberrys online abuse can target individuals both during work hours and after. It is estimated that UK businesses lose around £2 billion a year due to absence, staff turnover and loss of production caused by cyberbullying. The amount of bullying varied per sector, however, a survery performed in 2007 revealed that it is more prevalent in sales, media and marketing and telecoms, while in retail bullying was reported as being primarily face-to-face.

Employers must be aware of employees and the rise in cyberbullying in the workplace, ultimatley it will have an impact on your bottom line, be aware of the signs and take action!

Online Resources

Cybermentors

Direct Go | Cyberbullying

Stop Cyberbullying