Social Media Behavior and Cyberbullying

Social Media is an ever-changing landscape and can be difficult terrain for students to navigate. Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid the pitfalls of negative postings or interactions:

Think before you post:

  • would I say this to a person's face?
  • is this something my parents/grandparents would want to see?
  • is this post going to harm or embarass someone I know and/or care about?
  • do I want my employer/boss to see this?
  • did I just tell everyone I was not going to be in my apartment/room for an extended period of time?
  • is this a responsible post?
  • Don't be a troll or engage in flaming! It is a waste of time and can cause harm or emotional distress on yourself and others. 

Here's a great Infographic.

Watch USC students read mean Yik Yaks.

Remember, potential and current employers could be looking at your profiles!  Be Smart; Post Smart.

 

Cyberbullying involves the use of information technology (email, websites, social networking, Internet messaging or other technology) for hostile behavior to harm or upset others.  

There are ways you can defend yourself against cyberbullying, per rusecure (rusecure.rutgers.edu).

  • Do not respond to rude and harassing emails, messages and postings
  • Contact law enforcement if you feel personally threatened and harm will come to you
  • Keep a journal of the bullying communication
  • Send an email to abuse@rutgers.edu if the bullying is coming from within Rutgers University and report to the dean of students office
  • Look into blocking or blacklisting the bullying email address (in Outlook right click on the email and select 'junk e-mail', then click on add sender to block sender's list)
  • Contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to try to get the website removed if the cyberbully has a web site that is defaming you.

 

Report Cyberbullying here.

To review the Code of Conduct regarding harassment, including online harassment, please see Student Code of Conduct 10-2-11-current.pdf and scroll to page 10.