Stand Up to Cyberbullying | Federal Trade Commission

You can help stop cyberbullies by standing up for yourself or someone else. To learn more about cyberbullying visit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles...

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Transcript:
We spend lots of time online. We text, we comment, we share. It’s a big part of our lives.

But communicating with someone online is just like talking to them in real life.

Everyone appreciates politeness and no one likes it when people make fun, or spread gossip, rumors or lies.

The fact is that some people do try to hurt others online.

It’s called – cyber bullying – and it’s a lose-lose situation:

It makes the person being harassed feel bad – and it makes the bully look bad.

It might lead to trouble with school authorities or even the police.

If someone is harassing you online, it’s important not to respond.

That’s because bullies are looking for a reaction. Block them if you can, ignore them if you can’t.

If it continues, save the evidence and ask an adult for help.

And don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, or to stand up for someone else being cyber bullied.

This behavior usually stops pretty quickly when someone speaks up.

And when you’re communicating online – remember to treat people the way you’d like to be treated.

Know how to handle yourself, because being online is part of your life.

So stop and think before you click.
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The Federal Trade Commission deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. It is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers' interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies.

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