Stop, Block and Tell!

Stop, Block and Tell! An open letter from Parry Aftab of WiredSafety.org

If you are targeted by a cyberbully there are three steps to helping contain the incident:

• STOP!
  When you first learn of the cyberbullying, stop and don’t do anything until you have calmed down. Don’t forward it to a friend, or call anyone. Follow our Take 5! tips to help you calm down and think about the best response. Most of ten the best response is no response. Many cyberbullies are looking for a reaction. They often go away if they don’t get one. Don’t threaten them. Don’t tell them to go away. Don’t do anything at all, but think. And remember that when you send it to others, that might be the reaction the cyberbully is looking for.
• Block!
  Block the cyberbully or limit all communications to those on your buddy list. Also, it is a good idea ot recheck your buddy list and take off anyone you don’t really know or trust. Many cyberbullies are the victim’s former best friend. Note that the cyberbully may try to send more messages using other accounts or screen names to bypass your block. If the messages persist, you have to tell someone (not a friend, but an adult you trust). You should not ignore the messages if they persist, something needs to be done.
• and Tell!
  Tell a trusted adult, you don’t have to face this alone! The trusted adult may include a teacher, principal, guidance counselor or a parent or older sibling or other family member. And make them promise to Take5! before they do anything, to make sure they aren’t going to make matters worse.