Rules of Netiquette

Kids can be serious jerks. When I was in 4th grade, a classmate got the reputation for smelling bad. As a joke, one of my friends brought a dirty diaper to school and hid it in the "smelly" kid's backpack. Of course, this friend practically got a standing ovation for her clever joke. I laughed, but was secretly terrified that someone would uncover and expose one of my many unwelcome traits.

Luckily for me and those fellow awkward classmates, the internet wasn't yet a medium for teasing and torturing the nerdy. Now, however, the internet seems to have bred bullies out of seemingly harmless individuals. Those who didn't have the courage or strength to beat someone up at the bus stop can hide behind cryptic screen names and threaten, harass, embarrass, and expose star-crossed victims. Cyberbullies can range from a thoughtless kid pulling a prank to a psychopath strategically planning revenge. Studies have shown that 1 in 3 Internet-using adolescents are victims of online harassment. Researchers are still working to define the effects of cyberbullying, but it has already been linked with serious school violence like the Columbine massacre.

The purpose of this page limit the effects of cyberbullying by outlining simple netiquette (online etiquette) guidelines for potential bullies and victims to follow. There are countless rules of netiquette, but this page will deal specifically with the branch of netiquette that attempts to reduce cyberbullying. I have titled this subsection of guidelines, "Rules for Safe Socializing".

The prank form of cyberbullying can be avoided if people simply think before they send or post anything on the internet. Use your imagination and forethought to decide if what you are about to post or send could be harmful or hurtful to someone else. The other type of cyberbully, the person with an intent to hurt, is probably purposefully breaking the rules of netiquette. They are likely more aware of the rules of netiquette than the prankster, and are using them opposite to thier intent. Therefore, it is important for potential victims to practice these tips for defensive socializing.

1. Again, think before you post or send anything over the internet.
2. Second, report any harassment to a parent, teacher, or other responsible adult.
3. Third, assume that everyone (including parents, future employers, and law enforcers) can see anything you put online.
4. Fourth, assume that anything you put on the internet will be used by others to harm you.
5. Fifth, Google yourself to see what others can learn about you by simply typing your name into a search engine.
6. Lastly, protect the privacy of others. It can be easy to expose someone's identity or email address. Hide email addresses in the BCC (blind carbon copy section) when mass emailing, and don't refer to people by their real name in chat rooms other public forums.

Some of these rules may sound like overkill, but they should help protect you from foreseeable harm. Awareness of the extent and impact of cyberbullying is a step toward reducing its occurrence. If web users used more common sense and forethought, much of the thoughtless bullying can be avoided. Also, a proactive, defensive web socializer is less likely to become a victim of online bullying. Review your profiles and social groups to decide how you can make your social circle safer and more pleasant.