This article is primarily intended to promote a greater level of peace and friendly environment on Wolfing. It is also intended to raise the awareness about cyberbullying, stalking, harassment and online safety so that the users of Wolfing can be better protected from this internet menace.



Don't join in the hurling of mean remarks and insults. Help your friends by ending or changing the topic or by leaving the room with them. Breaking away from the conversation does not mean that you have lost the argument, it means that you are being more mature.


Cyberbullying has become increasingly common especially among teenagers with the rise of the internet and increase use of technology. Global statistics show that a vast number of people who use the internet have been bullied online, mostly though social networks and chat messengers. As a social website that features public profiles, social updates, chat rooms and instant messaging, the generally more peaceful and friendly environment on Wolfing is not spared from the menace of negative conversations.


What is considered cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying involves a repeated behavior with an intent to stalk, harass, or harm a victim. It can take place in private conversations (individual harassment) or through public posts (public humiliation and defamation) or both. In more severe cases, they spans across several online services, wherever the offender is able to identify the accounts of the victim.


Am I a bully?

A bully might be unaware that they have repeatedly said mean or hurtful things to a particular person in private or public. In many cases, the victims are shy and are less vocal about their feelings or avoid directly telling a bully to stop. Not receiving a "No, please stop." response does not give a bully reason to continue and assume that it is okay. A bully's victims might even be their own close friends. There are many users who might be unintentionally bullying others. They make fun of them without realising that their actions constitutes to bullying which can bring their victims emotional and psychological harm. They think that their remarks are "just jokes" not realising the consequences of their jokes.

Any action taken to harass, stalk, denigrate (criticise unfairly), disparage (regard as being of less worth), impersonate, and shun a victim are considered bullying. A person is a bully if they:

1. Repeatedly (more than once) say something negative, mean, or hurtful to a victim.
2. Spread cruel rumors, falsehoods, or exaggerated information to damage the victim's reputation and friendships.
3. Avoid, ignore and exclude a user from activities on purpose.
4. Create multiple accounts to pretend that they are another person to trick a victim.
5. Trick the victim into revealing their personal information such as their Facebook account, phone number, or private pictures of themselves.
6. Share pictures and personal information of victims without their consent.

The harmful effects of cyberbullying

The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating because of the far-reaching capabilities of the internet. A hurtful post can be shared instantly with a large audience across the globe. It is usually impossible for the bully to take back what has been said or shared. Once published online, many people can potentially download and copy of the defamatory materials, making it almost impossible to remove from the internet.

The situation can get a lot worst if the bullies are popular or so-call "cool" users with many friends who blindly go along with the bullying. Receiving mean and hurtful comments from strangers makes the victims feel as if everyone is rejecting them, that they feel hopeless and that there is no way out.

Abused victims experience psychological and emotional damages. They experience lower self-esteem and can get easily scared, upset or depressed. The victim begins to avoid friends and stop participating in activities as they become extremely anti-social, lonely and even participate in self-harm. In severe cases, they have been linked to suicides. When a seemingly harmless joke end up being a criminal case, the joke becomes far too expensive.


How can I avoid being a bully?

On the internet, we meet a lot of people, many of which would have been impossible for us to meet in person or in real life. We may not like some of these people but that does not mean we have to be bitter towards them.

If we feel that a person hasn't done something right, tell them that and tell them once only, regardless of the way they responded to it. They have already heard what we have to say. Trying to further drive or force your point across, especially though the use or jokes and mockery, makes us the bully.

Suspected bullies should never be flamed, stalked, harassed or bullied in return. Don't be a bully yourself for the sake of a bully. Instead bullies should be reminded, educated or reported to the authorities.

Try not to send messages when you are angry. Before sending, ask yourself how would you feel if you were to receive that message. Avoid throwing insults back and forth. Do not type nasty things you wouldn't say in person. Do not participate in a public drama because you might likely do more harm than good by adding fuel to the fire.

We have to be mindful of our words and actions and understand that they have consequences. Our words have real power to hurt or to help others. We should use that power to build people up, not tear them down.


How can I protect myself from being a victim?

Stay safe and be nice online. Do not share any of your sensitive or personal information with people you meet online. Never give hints about or share your password with others. Help your friends who are being bullied by not joining in. Help them by changing the topic or by leaving the room with them. If someone sends you a highly threatening and hurtful message, do not respond. Save it and report it to the authorities.