Hey Nordies, The internet can sometimes seem like a large
playground free from real-world threats, but sadly that’s not the case.
The online world has its bullies too, and while they may not push you or call you names
in public, their actions can cause a great deal of emotional and psychological damage.
In this video, we will explain to you what cyberbullying is, its various types, and how
you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
But before we move on, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get our latest content
first.
So, what is cyberbullying?
Well, it’s not that different from its offline counterpart.
It’s any form of abuse that takes place online to make someone feel worthless or vulnerable.
But by employing digital means, bullies can spread abusive content way faster and further.
Let's identify the types of cyberbullying to be more aware.
Number one.
Fraping.
The term “fraping” is the combination of the words Facebook and raping, and this
pretty much explains its concept.
This is when someone accesses someone else’s social media account from an unattended device
or through stolen credentials.
Bullies can then use it to embarrass the victim.
They can change personal details, message other people or create embarrassing posts.
Having in mind that things tend to spread fast on the internet and someone might print-screen
or save the post even when you delete it, such actions can cause great harm and psychological
distress, especially for teens and children.
Even a seemingly innocent fraping prank can cause trouble in the future, for example,
if your potential employers check your account.
To avoid this make sure not to leave your device unattended and unlocked.
Also use strong passwords and don’t share them with anybody.
Number two.
Outing Outing is the public disclosure of embarrassing
or sensitive data about someone.
For example, a bully may use social media to tell about someone’s bedwetting or psychological
issues.
Such actions can seriously impact a young person, who still has a fragile sense of self.
To prevent this make sure that you and your child use strong passwords and don’t share
any private info publicly or with someone you don’t 100% trust.
Also make sure to make the settings on your kids social media as well as your own private,
so that no random people could look them up.
Number three.
Exclusion Exclusion takes place when a group excludes
a person from their activities.
For example, someone can be excluded from a group chat, forum or other online spaces.
While exclusion is difficult to mitigate if you are not an admin of a channel or a group,
things can be sorted out by communication.
You can always ask for the reasons for exclusion.
And if you didn't do anything to deserve this, maybe it’s better to leave such groups and
stay away from people who act like this.
If your child experienced this, encourage them not to be sad or even create their own
alternative group.
Number four.
Harassment and stalking These two forms are quite similar to their
offline equivalents.
Harassment is the targeting of one’s online identity with insulting messages.
It can cause trauma, especially to young people.
Stalking is even more serious and can have dire real-world consequences.
It includes following someone across the web by gathering personal information, breaching
one’s online privacy and sending annoying or even creepy messages.
Stalkers sometimes take things even further by attempting to initiate physical meetings
or unexpectedly turning up near your house or work.
The best way to avoid such actions is not to go into any further contact and immediately
block and report stalkers or harassers.
If it happens to your children, always tell them to report such cases to you immediately.
Also, make sure that they don’t communicate with strangers online.
Number five.
Catfishing Catfishing is the adoption of a fake identity
to extract personal data or form an emotional bond with the victim.
Catfishers can use it to lure somebody into meeting them or get and share some sensitive
info.
Catfishing can be particularly dangerous if a victim gets too emotionally involved only
to realize that this was a fake account created to fool them.
There are some common characteristics of catfishers - they usually avoid offline interactions
or video calls, give details that don't add up, or constantly change their whereabouts.
Make sure to identify one as soon as you can.
And instruct your children not to communicate with people they don't know and trust.
You can also check our video about catfishing to find out more about it.
Number six.
Trolling.
Trolling is the intentional provoking of anger and frustration.
Trolls love to see their victims upset and getting out of control, so make sure you don’t
get into their web of vague reasonings and contradicting arguments.
While trolling is not the most serious cybercrime, it can cause psychological problems and severe
annoyance to people who aren’t completely in control of their emotions.
But, you can make things easier by learning and informing others on how to identify a
troll.
While they are not always easy to recognize, a typical troll will take up absurd or self-contradicting
positions in arguments, frequently resort to name-calling, and adopt false identities
online.
They feed on other people’s reactions, so ignoring them is the best tactic.
However, if a troll is particularly persistent, you can also block or report them.
And there you go.
These were the five most common forms of cyberbullying.
After learning them yourself, familiarize your child with them too.
And encourage them to openly communicate with you in case something bad or suspicious happens
online.
Trust is an essential factor here, so make sure you and your kids form a strong team
in fighting cybervillains.
You can visit the CyberSmile help website for more info.
You will find the link in the description.
Stay safe, subscribe to our YouTube channel and don’t forget to share your story in
the comments below.
Maybe it will help others to stay more aware and prevent cyberbullying.
Also, don’t forget to protect your privacy and data with NordVPN.