Cyber-bullying

The Internet has many advantages. It has connected us to the world while creating a social network that has expanded verbal communication with many throughout the world. However, there are downsides to it, namely the addictive nature of the Internet that can hinder your social life or physical activity – cyberbullying is one of the worst disadvantages of this phenomenon.

With cyber-crime on the rise, many have taken notice and demand action. The rate at which criminals are able to steal identities, post falsified information, or just harass individuals has the authorities falling short in their ability to adequately respond. The most recent difficulties with cyber-bullying is of particular concern because this can result in individuals suffering financially, enduring embarrassment, or being harmed. Children can be particularly affected by this form of harassment, as they are ill equipped to do anything about it, whereas adults have a few more options.

You can see cyberbullying in a variety of guises. Many include emails which are sent repeatedly, while others can contain threats of violence, remarks that are hateful, comments containing sexual innuendos, causing embarrassment by posting false information, or even soliciting the help of others to gang up on someone. The presence of Internet capable cell phones has made this a particularly damning problem in the schools, with the advent of social networking.

Unfortunately, cyber-bullies love to release personal information that will lead others to the real names, work or school sites, or addresses of victims. Another tactic of the internet harasser is to threaten others or malign and ridicule the victim. Cyberbullying often starts young, as some boys will even start in second grade; boys can start very young with this phenomenon, whereas girls will often wait until middle school to start that habit. These are all illegal activities and, when caught, carry significant legal consequences.

There are ways to stop this type of harassment. You can first try not to visit sites that are hosts for bullying. It is also possible to change your phone number or email account. To bring the cyber-bullying to a halt it is necessary to catch the individual committing the crime. In order to do this, you have to find the IP address from which they are conducting their campaign of terror.

There are IP tracking sites that can help you figure out where the bully is posting from, and give you the information you require to find them. Some of these sites include definitive-ip-search.org/29/index.htm which is a system that back-tracks web-based information.

After experiencing cyber-bullying many victims find it difficult to remove the information used to vilify them on the websites. Many social networking sites have policies against slanderous or revealing information being posted, this does aid in having personal information, unfounded allegations or nude photos from being removed once placed there. This damaging information may take years to fade away for victims.

Fortunately, for victims legislation is being enacted to stiffen penalties against this type of criminal behavior and, in fact, there have already been convictions. As technology continues to open new possibilities for users, everyone needs to be aware that they and their children are becoming increasingly vulnerable cyber-crimes. As you participate in websites and activities on the Web, be careful.