Staying Safe Online – Protect yourself from online bullying

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ONLINE BULLYING

As part of St Helena Government’s (SHG) Internet Awareness Campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the internet and to promote safety when online, this week the focus is on protecting yourself from online bullying.

Online or Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over common digital devices like mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Cyberbullying can occur anywhere people can view, participate in, or share content. Examples include instant messaging, text messaging, Social Media, forums, and even gaming sites.

Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, and/or false content about someone else with intention to hurt. It can include sharing personal or private information that can cause embarrassment and humiliation. Some cyberbullying can actually cross the line into unlawful criminal behaviour.

It is important to be aware of cyberbullying and to take steps to prevent it from happening to you. These tips can help make sure that you are protected from online bullying:

  • Protect your password – Safeguard your password and private information so that no one but yourself can access your online accounts
  • Pause before you message or post – Don’t message or post anything that can compromise your reputation. For example, do you really need to send that racy photo of yourself? Don’t give anyone fuel to use against you
  • Set privacy controls – You can set privacy controls in settings on most Social Media sites so that only your trusted friends can see what you post
  • Search yourself – A quick google search of yourself every now and then will reveal if there is any information about you online. If there is something that Cyberbullies can use then its best you remove it before they get hold of it
  • Don’t open messages from an unknown source – If you receive a message from someone you don’t know then don’t be tempted to open it. Delete it right away as it could contain a virus that will infect your device as well as retrieve your personal data and information

Remember these tips next time you are online and share them with friends and family, especially children with access to the internet, to ensure that you and the people you care about are protected from online bullying.

If you are being bullied online, or have noticed cyberbullying taking place, take action and report it to teachers, parents, or even local authorities.

Most importantly, do not be a Cyberbully yourself!

#StHelena #StayingSafeOnline #Cyberbullying #ProtectYourself

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SHG
9 July 2019

St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh