Cyber Safety: Tips to Protect Yourself Against Cyberbullying
09/04/24
But the starting point of defense against cyberbullying could be you.
Take proactive steps such as speaking out against bullies, seeking support from trusted adults, or raising awareness about the issue. Additionally, educating people about what cyberbullying entails is essential. It's also crucial to emphasize the importance of screenshotting or taking pictures of the evidence in case the perpetrator deletes it, and remember that cyberbullying can happen anywhere online, as some online activities are hard to categorize
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted. Examples include:
spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone on social media
sending hurtful, abusive or threatening messages, images or videos via messaging platforms
impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf or through fake accounts.
Face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can often happen alongside each other. But cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint – a record that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the abuse.
If you suspect you're being bullied, the initial step is to seek assistance from a trusted individual, such as your parents, a close family member, or another reliable adult.
In a school setting, you can confide in a counselor, sports coach, or your favorite teacher, either in person or through online communication.
If confiding in someone familiar feels uncomfortable, consider seeking support from a professional counselor through a helpline available in your country: Bullying & Cyberbullying Helpline UK (findahelpline.com)
If the bullying occurs on a social media platform, consider blocking the perpetrator and officially reporting their behavior directly on the platform. Social media companies have a responsibility to ensure user safety.
To halt bullying, it must first be recognized, and reporting it is crucial. It can be beneficial to gather evidence, such as text messages and screenshots of social media posts, to illustrate the situation.
Reporting bullying not only aids in halting the behavior but also communicates to the perpetrator that their actions are unacceptable.
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police or emergency services in your country without delay.
Tips on how to protect yourself and others on Social Media
Each social media platform offers various tools that enable users to control who can interact with their posts and report instances of bullying. Many of these tools are user-friendly and include simple steps to block, mute, or report cyberbullying. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following options:
Here are some safety tools anyone on Facebook/Instagram can use:
You can block people, including any existing and new accounts they might create.
You can mute an account and that account will not be notified.
You can limit unwanted interactions for a period of time by automatically hiding comments and message requests from people who don’t follow you, or who only recently followed you.
You can use ‘Restrict’ to discreetly protect your account without that person being notified.
You can moderate comments on your own posts.
You can modify your settings so that only people you follow can send you a direct message.
We will notify someone when they’re about to post something that might cross the line, encouraging them to reconsider.
We automatically filter out comments and message requests that don’t go against our Community Guidelines but may be considered inappropriate or offensive. You can also create your own custom list of emojis, words or phrases that you don’t want to see.
For more tips and ideas, visit Instagram’s Safety page and Facebook’s Bullying Prevention Hub. We also offer resources, insights and expert guidance for parents and guardians on our Family Center.
Snapchat
Here are some safety tools anyone on Snapchat can use:
Clicking on the person’s avatar will bring up a three-dot menu in the upper right-hand corner. Opening that menu offers the option of “Manage Friendship,” which, in turn, offers the ability to Report, Block or Remove the person as a friend. Know that if you block someone, they will be told that their Snaps and Chats to you will be delivered once the relationship is restored.
It’s also a good idea to check privacy settings to ensure they continue to be set to the default setting of “Friends Only.” This way, only people you’ve added as Friends can send you Snaps and Chats.
We also recommend reviewing your Friends’ list from time to time to ensure it includes those people you still want to be friends with on Snapchat.
TikTok
Here are some safety tools anyone on TikTok can use:
You can restrict who comments on your videos to no one, just friends or everyone (for those aged under 16, the everyone setting is not available)
You can filter all comments or those with specific keywords that you choose. By default, spam and offensive comments are hidden from users when we detect them.
You can delete or report multiple comments at once, and you can block accounts that post bullying or other negative comments in bulk too, up to 100 at a time.
A comment prompt asks people to reconsider posting a comment that may be inappropriate or unkind, reminding them of our Community Guidelines and allowing them to edit their comments before sharing
X
Here are some safety tools anyone on X can use:
Select who can reply to your posts – either everyone, only people you follow or only people you mention
Mute – removing an account's posts from your timeline without unfollowing or blocking that account
Block – restricting specific accounts from contacting you, seeing your posts, and following you
Report – filing a report about abusive behaviour
Safety mode – a feature that temporarily blocks accounts for using potentially harmful language or sending repetitive and uninvited replies or mentions.
Sources:
Algorithmic Empowerment: Taking Control of Your Social Media Experience
No social media users see the same content on their algorithms daily. The algorithm continuously evolves based on various factors, including user behaviour, engagement patterns, and platform updates. Understanding the inner workings of social media algorithms can provide insights into how you can make your algorithm a safer and positive place. Here is some information that can protect you and your friends from negative and harmful material online.
What Is a Social Media Algorithm?
A social media algorithm is a set of rules or procedures used by social media platforms to determine what content users see in their feeds or search results.
What determines your Algorithm?
Relevancy
Relevancy is the key factor that impacts the algorithm. The more you interact with a particular type of content on social media, the more likely it is that the algorithm will show you similar content in your feeds.
Filters Noise
Apart from relevancy, social platforms place a strong emphasis on content from your friends, following, and connections. However, the algorithms also work the other way around and filter out noise. For example, if you have a connection or friend posting content you don’t interact with, a social media algorithm will filter out all that content for you.
Sponsored Content Based on Interest
Sponsored content, aka ads, are paid advertisements that target a specific set of audiences. Meta, Twitter, and all other social media platforms show sponsored content that reflects your taste and interest.
How can a user make their algorithm a safer and positive place?
Curate Your Feed: Be selective about who you follow and the content you engage with. Follow accounts that share positive and uplifting content, and unfollow or mute accounts that consistently post negative or harmful material.
Use Privacy Settings: Take advantage of privacy settings to control who can see your posts, comments, and personal information. Limit visibility to only friends or followers whom you trust, and review your privacy settings regularly to ensure they align with your preferences.
Report Inappropriate Content: If you encounter content that violates community guidelines or promotes harmful behaviour, report it to the platform. Reporting helps the platform identify and remove such content, making the online environment safer for everyone.
Be Mindful of Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information such as your address, phone number, or financial details on social media. Be cautious about sharing location-based information and consider the potential risks before posting.
Engage Constructively: Foster positive interactions with others by engaging in respectful and constructive discussions. Avoid spreading rumours, engaging in online harassment, or participating in divisive debates that may escalate conflict.
Verify Information Before Sharing: Before sharing news articles, memes, or other content, take a moment to verify its accuracy and credibility. Be wary of misinformation and disinformation, and fact-check information from multiple reliable sources before sharing it with others.
Practice Digital Detox: Take breaks from social media to recharge and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Limit your screen time, particularly before bedtime, to promote better sleep and overall well-being.
Support Positive Causes: Use your platform to amplify voices and initiatives that promote positivity, inclusivity, and social good. Share content related to charitable organizations, community events, and uplifting stories to inspire others and contribute to a more positive online environment.
Seek Support if Needed: If you encounter online harassment, bullying, or other forms of digital abuse, don't hesitate to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals. Platforms often provide resources and support services for users experiencing online abuse.
Sources:
For more information listen to ‘Ethical use of AI – how do we get it right?’:
Unlocking Digital Skills: How Can Young People Thrive In A Digital World?
In this blog, we will explore the digital skills gap and how young people can develop the digital skills they need to thrive in the digital world.
As the world around us becomes increasingly digitised, it’s more important than ever for young people to develop strong digital skills. 82% of UK jobs already require digital skills, and it has been estimated that by 2030 20% of the workforce in the UK will be significantly under-skilled in their jobs.
‘Digital skills’ is an incredibly broad term - we are focussing on Digital Skills For Work which includes proficiency with common software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; ability to communicate digitally, and the ability to learn new digital skills.
The need for digital skills is not lost on young people, 88% realise that their digital skills will be essential for their careers. However, nearly 75% of young people do not feel they have the digital skills that they need to thrive.
The Lloyds Essential Digital Skills Report suggests that almost all (97%) 18-24 year olds have ‘foundation level’ digital skills (93% for those without higher level qualifications). However, research suggests that once you move beyond the ‘foundation level’ to the required Digital Skills For Work, the picture changes. This is reinforced by Learning At Work Institute research showing that fewer than half of British employers believe young people are leaving full-time education with sufficient digital skills.
Catch22 and Nominet found that in the eyes of young people, not all schools and workplaces are providing good enough digital skills training.
The impact of this can already be recognised in the workplace, with 76% of firms believing this lack of digital skills will hit their profitability. There would be significant benefits to improving employees' digital skills for work by providing them with relevant training.
A recent Microsoft study found that 69% of leaders feel their organisation suffers from a digital skills gap. 59% of employees believe in the importance of developing their digital skills and almost 60% said the easiest way for them to develop these skills would be through work. However only 23% were receiving any training through their workplace, and 58% said their employer has never provided them with training to improve their digital skills.
Fewer than half of British employers believe young people are leaving full-time education with sufficient digital skills for work. Catch22 and Nominet found that 12% of school aged respondents agreed believing their school did not provide good digital training, and almost a quarter of those who have left school (23%) did not think their school provided good enough training in the use of technology. There should be an emphasis in the curriculum on how important it is for young people to learn digital skills for work from a young age.
The number of young people taking IT subjects such as computing at GCSE has dropped 40% since 2015. 61% of the teachers surveyed who are responsible for teaching computing have no formal training or background in the subject, while nearly a quarter cited limited teacher knowledge and a lack of digital skills as a key challenge to teaching computing.
The computing skills that are taught in UK schools are limited to one lesson rather than integrated across the curriculum. There is a need to treat digital skills not as a subject to be learned in isolation but as an operating environment in which we learn. This might include using Excel and data analysis in maths lessons, structuring an email alongside traditional letter writing and creative writing, and using a computer as well as handwritten work in early years.
To ensure that young people can thrive we must encourage them to pursue the digital skills that they are not picking up in education or in the workplace. Not only will this prepare them for a successful career, but it will also give them the opportunity to create positive and lasting change in the world as they gain the required knowledge and confidence to thrive in the digital world.
Our Digital Skills and Employability programme has successfully upskilled 109 young people that are now in digital careers and are still receiving career support post-programme. Our aim is for all the young people that we work with to arrive at positive destinations such as good digital jobs, education/training, apprenticeships, self-employment, increased skills, increased confidence, and increased awareness.
There are many ways that young people can acquire the digital skills for work that they need, from formal training programs to self-learning. Here are some useful tips:
Take courses: Courses such as our free Digital Skills & Employability programme are a great way to learn specific digital skills for work.
Attend workshops/webinars: These help you to network and meet new people in the digital industry, whilst learning new digital skills for work.
Learn from mentors/coaches: Receiving guidance from a mentor can help you gain a better understanding of which digital skills you need to develop for work. Participants of our Digital Skills & Employability programme benefit from a work coach that supports them as an individual. The programme also features guest speakers in the digital industry which gives young people an opportunity to network with industry professionals and ask any relevant questions.
Follow online tutorials/courses: Following tutorials can help you learn and practice different digital skills. Participants of our Digital Skills & Employability Programme benefit from access to online courses that allow them to upskill themselves for work.
Consider an apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a hands-on learning process that can help you gain digital skills while gaining work experience.
Join communities: Joining online communities, forums, and discussion boards can help you gain a better understanding of digital skills through conversations. The Social Switch Projects alumni gain access to events that allow them to network and learn from each other.
The potential impact of the digital skills gap, especially on the younger generation, is immense. Having digital skills for work is no longer just advantageous but, in many cases, a necessity.
Young people are entering a digital world, and having digital skills for work gives them the edge they need to thrive. The modern working world will only become more reliant on technology, ensuring the demand for digital skills will continue to rise alongside it.
At a national level we need to take steps to address the digital skills gap, as it presents an enormous risk not only to those who may be unable to access digital jobs, but also to the wider economy.
Resources:
Learn more about our Digital Skills & Employability Programme
Read Insights Paper 1: Opportunities and Barriers Catch22 and Nominet here
Social Media Addiction: Symptoms, Signs, and Solutions
If you find yourself spending hours scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and countless other social media sites, you are not alone. Science Direct estimates that more than 210 million people worldwide suffer from addiction to social media and the internet.
In this blog, we’ll explore the symptoms, signs, and solutions to social media addiction. We’ll look at how to identify if you or someone you know is addicted to social media, and what steps can be taken to switch the story and make the most of your time online.
What Is Social Media Addiction?
Social media addiction is a behavioural addiction that consists of an unhealthy dependence on social media platforms, excessive use, and difficulty in refraining from use.
There is growing evidence to suggest that social media addiction can bring about adverse consequences such as:
A fear of missing out (FOMO), which can lead to even more social media usage.
Low self-esteem, which may be prompted by incorrect perceptions that others’ lives are “better” than your own.
Increased isolation and loneliness.
Negatively impacted relationships.
Disrupted sleep patterns.
Poor mental health.
Lack of self-control.
Why Is Social Media So Addictive?
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are designed to create habit-forming behaviour using the Hook Model of Addiction. This is achieved through a looping cycle of trigger, action, reward, and continued investment.
For example, Instagram:
Trigger: You are triggered to make an account so you can keep up to date with family, friends, celebrities, etc
Action: You are encouraged to post photos and story updates.
Reward: You are rewarded with likes, comments, messages, etc. This releases dopamine in your brain which makes you want to do more of what is making you feel good.
Continued Investment: You are encouraged to invest in your profile by adding a bio, profile picture, highlights, maintaining a feed, etc.
Together these form a loop that encourages users to come back, eventually making Instagram a daily habit.
“Social media platforms drive surges of dopamine to the brain to keep consumers coming back over and over again. The shares, likes, and comments on these platforms trigger the brain's reward centre, resulting in a high similar to the one people feel when gambling or using drugs.” - Dr Nancy Deangelis, CRNP Director of Behavioural Health
Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction:
If you think you may have a social media addiction, here are some warning signs to look out for:
Thinking about social media when you aren’t using it, so much so that it’s the first thing you turn to when you have the opportunity.
Increased reliance on social media as a way to cope with problems.
Increased use during other activities, such as hanging out with friends and family, or whilst eating.
Anger when social media use is reduced.
Restlessness and irritability when you’re not using social media.
Negative effects on your job or school work due to overuse of social media (e.g scrolling through your apps at work or instead of studying).
If you think someone you know may have a social media addiction, here are some warning signs to look out for:
Neglect of real-life obligations and activities previously enjoyed.
Inability to stop using social media.
Anger or distress when unable to use social media.
Obsession with social media even when not online.
Using social media in secret.
Disruption in sleep, eating, and exercise patterns.
Solutions to Social Media Addiction:
In today’s digital era, social media is increasing in popularity with over half (58%) of the world’s population being active users. With so many ways to occupy yourself online, people find themselves developing social media addiction.
Once you realise that you have a social media addiction you can take steps towards overcoming it:
Try the out of sight out of mind approach. Turn off your notifications or put your phone on aeroplane mode. Consider moving your device further away from you i.e. on the other side of the room, so it is less convenient to grab.
Use tech to limit your screen time. Take advantage of apps such as ScreenZen, Space, and OffScreen. These allow you to set strict limits that restrict how long you can use your devices.
Create new social rules, such as; no social media after 10pm or no phones at the dinner table to encourage interactions with your friends and family. Implement a ‘no phones’ rule and identify times when you won’t look at your phone.
Turn off your phone. Switch it off during work, school, meals, and recreational activities.
Schedule device-free breaks. Schedule times throughout the day when you won’t be using any electronic devices. You could use this time to go for a walk, read a book, or meditate.
Delete your social media apps from your smartphone. While you can still access them through your personal computer, keeping them off your phone may help decrease the amount of time you spend on social media overall.
Take up a new hobby that’s not technology related. Examples include sports, art, cooking classes, and more.
By understanding the signs and symptoms of social media addiction, we can take steps to address the issue and find ways to reduce its impact on our lives.
12 Days of Digital Defense Tips for the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and unfortunately, increased vulnerability to security threats. While sharing your gifts on social media has become a common practice, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with oversharing during this time.
“Many of us want to relive and share the joy of receiving our Christmas gifts online with our friends and others. However, sharing your gifts on social media is like wrapping your home in a virtual bow and presenting it to potential thieves and unwanted attention . In the spirit of the season, try and safeguard your joy by keeping the surprises and gifts off social media. The more you reveal online, the greater the risk of turning holiday joy into an unintended invitation for theft” says our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Thomas.
That is why these 12 practical tips on the importance of digital defense will safeguard your home from potential burglars lurking on social media during the Holiday season.
1. 'Tis the Season to Review Your Privacy Settings:
Before you start sharing your holiday decorations or vacation plans, take a moment to review your social media privacy settings. Ensure that your profiles are set to private, limiting the audience for your posts to only trusted friends and family. This simple step can significantly reduce the chances of strangers accessing information about your home and whereabouts.
2. Delay Your Updates:
While it might be tempting to share real-time updates of your holiday festivities, consider delaying your posts. Share your experiences after you've returned home, rather than providing a live play-by-play of your activities. This precautionary measure prevents potential burglars from knowing your home is unoccupied, minimizing the risk of a break-in.
3. Avoid Geotagging:
Many social media platforms allow users to tag their location in posts. While this feature can be fun for sharing experiences, it also discloses your current whereabouts. Disable geotagging to prevent inadvertently revealing your home address or indicating when you're away. Burglars often scour social media for such information to plan their activities.
4. Be Mindful of What You Share:
Exercise caution when sharing details about expensive gifts, electronics, or valuable items you've received. Posting photos of high-value items could make your home a target for thieves. Consider sharing such updates in private messages or with a select group of trusted friends rather than broadcasting them publicly.
5. Create a Trusted Circle:
Establish a close-knit circle of friends or family members with whom you can share your holiday plans privately. This way, you can still enjoy the festive season with your loved ones while minimizing the risk of exposing sensitive information to a wider audience.
6. Install Security Measures:
In addition to digital precautions, ensure your physical space is protected. Install security measures such as motion-activated lights, surveillance cameras, and smart locks. These not only act as deterrents but also provide evidence in the event of suspicious activity.
7. Schedule Social Media Detox Days:
Consider designating specific days during the holiday season as social media detox days. This break can help you enjoy quality time with loved ones without the need to constantly update your online presence. Burglars are less likely to target homes where the owners are actively present.
8. Educate Your Family and Friends:
Share the importance of digital defense with your friends and family. Encourage them to follow similar practices to collectively create a safer online environment for everyone. A collective effort can go a long way in fortifying the security of your social media networks.
9. Limit Location-Based Check-ins:
Avoid checking in to specific locations in real-time, especially when away from home. While sharing your experiences can be enjoyable, broadcasting your exact location can be risky. Save your check-ins for after you've left a location to ensure that you're not inadvertently providing information about your current absence from home. If you want to share your favorite spots, consider doing so without disclosing your real-time presence.
10. Password Protection Matters:
Regularly update and strengthen your passwords on social media platforms. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Strong, unique passwords help prevent unauthorised access to your accounts and the sensitive information they contain.
11. Monitor Your Tagged Photos:
Stay vigilant about photos in which you are tagged by others. Friends and family might innocently share images that reveal details about your location or property. Regularly check and adjust your tagging settings to control who can tag you and who can see the tagged photos on your profile.
12. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network:
Ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is secure by using a strong, unique password. Regularly update your router's firmware and consider enabling WPA3 encryption for enhanced security. A secure network prevents unauthorized access and protects the data transmitted between your devices, reducing the risk of potential cyber threats.
In conclusion, while the holidays are a time for sharing joy, it's crucial to strike a balance between sharing and safeguarding your home. Implementing these digital defense strategies will not only protect your privacy but also contribute to a safer and more secure festive season for you and your loved ones.
References:
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/dec/06/how-to-keep-your-home-safe-from-burglars-at-christmas
Useful contacts during the Holidays: