The Cyberbullying Research Center also did a series of surveys that found these cyber bullying statistics: = Over 80 percent of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for cyber bullying = About half of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying, and 10 to 20 percent experience it regularly = Mean, hurtful comments and spreading rumors are the most common type of cyber bullying © Girls are at least as likely as boys to be cyber bullies or their victims = Boys are more likely to be threatened by cyber bullies than girls = Cyber bullying affects all races = Cyber bullying victims are more likely to have low self esteem and to consider suicide For many cyber bullying affects their everyday lives and is a constant source of distress and worry. With mobile technology being so freely available it is an ongoing issue and one that is relentless. Not only does it go on after school, college or work has finished, but then carries through into the next day and the cycle continues. It has been well documented that cyber bullying has resulted in tragic events including suicide, and self-harm and clearly, more needs to be done in order to protect vulnerable children and adults from online bullying. ‘What can you do to support someone who is being bullied online? 1 Reinforce that no one deserves to be treated inthis way and that they have done nathing wrong, ‘© Ensure that they know that there is help available to them ‘® Encourage them to talk toa teacher that they trust so they feel they have somewhere safe at school too to ‘© Encourage them fo talk to their parents/carers and if this isn't possible towrite-aletter or speak to another family member 1 Take sereen shats of the cyber bullying so that they have proof this ic happening ‘© Report all abuse to the relevant social media networks by clicking on the “report abuse” button. ‘© Keep a diary so they have somewhere safe and private ta write down their innermost thoughts and feelings ‘which will help to avoid Feelings bottling up ‘© Give praise for being so brave and talking things through which will hopefully empower them to take responsibility and get help © Sending abuse by email or posting it into a web board can be harassment and if this has happened make 2 ‘complaint to the palice who ean trace IP addresses ete ‘© Askthe school f they have a School Liaison Police Officer that can helpin this situation and talk to the school about the dangers and effects