Bullying: The Next Generation

Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 10/11/10

Photo by Samantha Celera on Flickr

In the new age of cell phones and computers, a whole new world of communication has opened up to us, and although it can greatly improve and make our lives easier, there can also be a downside if it is taken advantage of.

Click. Send. Gone!

Amy: What’s wrong Kristin?

Kristin: I am so upset, I sent a private picture to my boyfriend while we were dating, and now he is threatening to use it against me since we broke up – he said he’s going to post it online!

Amy: Oh no, can’t you just get the picture back?

Kristin: I don’t know if I can. I should have known that once I sent that … it’s gone for good. It could be in anyone’s hands now.

One trend that has emerged in today’s society is “sexting.” Sexting is when someone sends photos, videos or messages that are sexual in nature by cell phone or the Internet. They can be sent to boyfriends/girlfriends, individuals the sender wants to date, individuals the sender met online or anyone else (DEAL.org). While it may seem like a harmless idea at the time, many of us often forget that the person whom we are sending it to may not treat it with respect. In the dialogue above, Kristin is faced with this very problem. By posting pictures or videos online or sending it to a friend or partner, there is no such thing as privacy. Once you click “send,” it is almost impossible to control who sees your pictures – even more so if you post it online. You also never know if people will alter or change your picture, and then send that picture to others.

So before you decide to send that picture, consider this;

• Do not assume anything sent or posted (online) is going to remain private.
• Once a photo is online, what happens to it is out of your control. Anything you post online is there forever – you can never fully remove it.
• If someone is pressuring you online, or if someone is making you feel uncomfortable, tell an adult you trust.
• Nothing is truly anonymous.

(The Post)

The Invisible Bully

Another online issue that youth may find all too familiar is the issue of “cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying involves the use of communication technologies such as the Internet, social networking sites, websites, email, text messaging and instant messaging to repeatedly intimidate or harass others (DEAL.org). It can come in many forms, such as;

• Sending mean or threatening emails or text/instant messages
• Posting embarrassing photos of someone online
• Creating a website to make fun of others
• Pretending to be someone by using his or her name, and/or;
• Tricking someone into revealing personal or embarrassing information and sending it to others

(DEAL.org)

Click here to learn about what you can do if you are a victim of cyberbullying, and for ways you can prevent it from happening.

That’s illegal?

One thing about sexting many people may not know, is that in some cases you can get into trouble with the law. There have been some circumstances in Canada and the US, where people have had child pornography and/or distribution charges laid against them, because they have sent sexual pictures of minors to others. Under the Criminal Code, it is illegal to make, have in your possession and distribute pictures, videos, recordings, etc. of other minors under the age of 18 (as this is deemed “child pornography”). You can face harsh consequences if you are charged with any of these offences.

Also, believe it or not, in some circumstances cyberbullying is in fact illegal too. It is against the law to harass and threaten someone’s life or the lives and well-being of others; making them feel like their safety is in jeopardy is illegal in Canada. You also cannot publish something online or write something about someone that would harm their reputation or insult them (DEAL.org).

If someone is making you feel uncomfortable…

…for example harassing, threatening and/or blackmailing you in a situation online or through your cell phone, it is not okay. If anything makes you question your safety or happiness (or you know of a friend who is going through this), make sure to tell a trusted adult or police officer. Your safety and well-being come first!

Visit our Knowzone for more information.

Links

Macleans
ParentCentral
TextED
The National Post
The Post
Global: Regina
DEAL.org: Internet Safety
RCMP: Internet Safety Resources
RCMP: Web Safety