Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s Warning Signs of Cyber-bullying

       Parents should be aware of whether their child:

• Unexpectedly stops using the computer or cell phone
• Appears nervous or frightened when he/she receives an Instant Message (IM), e-mail or text message
• Appears depressed or angry after using the computer or cell phone
• Becomes withdrawn from family, friends and school
• Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer or cell phone

Tips to Prevent and Combat Cyber-bullying

• If you or someone that you know is being cyber-bullied, then tell an adult or a school official immediately.
• Do not respond or retaliate to hurtful or insulting messages.
• Do not spread any potentially hurtful or insulting messages about others to your friends.
• Do not disclose any personal information online.
• Do not give your passwords to friends and change your passwords frequently.
• Remember to log off any public computers that you use.
• Ban or block cyber-bullies from contacting you via your phone, instant messaging service, or social networking site.
• Use filters, anti-spam, and virus software to stop harmful and offensive emails from reaching you.
• Report someone who is bothering you to your service provider or social networking site.
• Do not delete any messages that a cyber-bully has sent to you.
• Respect the feelings of others. A comment that may seem like a joke to you may be very hurtful to someone else.
• Visit these websites for more information about cyber-bullying:
  • www.netsmartz.org
  • www.stopcyberbullying.org
  • www.isafe.org
  • www.wiredkids.org
  • www.cyberbullying.us
  • www.stopbullying.gov