Mark Blevis

In the last week I have been made even more aware of incidents of cyberstalking, cyberbullying and just plain disrespectful conduct on the web. While it appears to be the exception, the web is becoming a perceived safe-haven for a long tail of apparently insecure and inflamed people who have little better to do with their time than to assault others with ad hominem and potentially libelous attacks. Some of the attacks are quite blunt while others are disguised as fiction that is not identified as such.

“Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.” -Bill Belsey

I’m not talking about the odd post by a ‘griefer’ (nor am I condoning that type of activity). I’m talking about the Cyberazzi; people who have established entire websites and communities for the specific purpose of attacking and de-constructing a real person.

Part of me wants to believe that (on some level) it’s validating that anyone would be so impassioned as to dedicate their life to following someone’s online activities to publicly twist them around for whatever reason. That would be incorrect. These activities, even when they exist in a legal grey area, are morally reprehensible. There is no place for them, anywhere; not on the bathroom walls and not online.

If the Cyberazzi has an issue with anything or anyone, it would be a far more powerful statement for them to dismiss their target and quietly boycott their target’s activities.

MORE INFORMATION FROM cyberbullying.ca

Cyberbullies can create Web sites that mock, torment and harass others. If these are published on a local/regional Internet Service Provider (ISP), you should copy and print out these Web sites and then contact the ISP. Give them a chance to respond and address the situtation [sic]. For most responsible IPSs in Canada, this is likely a violation of the Terms of Use or Acceptable Use Policies (AUP). Better ISPs will post a copy of their AUP in an easily accessible place as well as appropriate contact information where you can report any such abusive situations with an e-mail account such as abuse@isp.ca (example).

If You Are The Victim of a Cyberbully What Can Be Done Now?

Don’t reply to messages from cyberbullies – even though you may really want to, this is exactly what cyberbullies want. They want to know that they’ve got you worried and upset. They are trying to mess with your mind and control you, to put fear into you. Don’t give them that pleasure.

Do not keep this to yourself! You are NOT alone and you did NOT do anything to deserve this! Tell an adult you know and trust!

Inform your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or cell phone/pager service provider (see the list of Canadian service providers and their contact information that can be found at on the “Related Resources” page on www.cyberbullying.ca).

Inform your local police

Do not erase or delete messages from cyberbullies -You don’t have to read it, but keep it, it is your evidence. You may unfortunately get similar messages again, perhaps from other accounts. The police and your ISP, and/or your telephone company can use these messages to help you. You might notice certain words or phrases that are also used by people you know. These messages may reveal certain clues as to who is doing this to you, but don’t try and solve this on your own, remember, tell an adult you know and trust. GET HELP!