Let's Talk: Cyber-bullying

At BIS Abu Dhabi we take cyber-bullying very seriously. Whilst technological advancement has its benefits on students’ lives and achievement, we are mindful of the potential for bullying to occur. We strongly believe that all pupils have a right not to be bullied and that bullying is always unacceptable.

"Cyber-bullying is the use of the Internet and related technologies to harm other people in a deliberate, repeated, and hostile manner." - Wikipedia

At BIS Abu Dhabi we take cyber-bullying very seriously. Whilst technological advancement has its benefits on students’ lives and achievement, we are mindful of the potential for bullying to occur. We strongly believe that all pupils have a right not to be bullied and that bullying is always unacceptable.

Whether its posting pictures, social statuses, or private messages, cyber-bullying takes many forms. At BIS Abu Dhabi we think its imperative to inform parents what might be the current trends and tactics so that our students are continually supported outside of the school environment.

Some of the most popular cyber-bullying tactics are:

• Flaming: Online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language
• Harassment: Repeatedly being sent nasty, mean, cruel and insulting messages
• Denigration: Sending or posting gossip online with the intention of damaging someone’s reputation or friendships
• Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material to harm someone or to get them into trouble
• Outing: Sharing someone’s secrets, or embarrassing images or information online
• Trickery: Talking someone into sharing information or images and sharing it online
• Exclusion: Intentionally and cruelly excluding someone from an online group
• Cyberstalking: Repeated, intense harassment and denigration that includes threats and creating fear

Cyber-bullying can have devastating effects, making the victim feel helpless, especially when the bully is anonymous. Once material is posted online, it is often irretrievable, causing the victim stress, affecting their school performance and attendance, and consequently having a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

Cyber-bullying can happen anywhere in the cyber world. If your child is experiencing any of the above, please ask them to report it (to a parent or teacher), tell them not to respond to the bully or retaliate, and if possible, block the bully from social media.

If you are concerned about your child or need further information about the above, please speak to your child’s class teacher or to the School Counsellors.
 

BIS Abu Dhabi Counselling Team