Cyberbully Tips

Cyberbullying - Learn what you're up against

Each cyberbullying tactic involves a technological tool (a cell phone, a laptop, a video camera, or a social networking site for example). Learn how to understand, prevent, combat and transform a:

Digital Pile On: (A group that gangs up on one person through a group chat, comments and Instant Messaging)

 

Rating Website: (Using Internet polls to get bystanders to vote for their "ugliest," "fattest," "dumbest" peers);

Imposter Profile: (Creating a fake website or social networking profile to deceive people into thinking it is genuinely owned and maintained by the target);

Haters' Club: (Spreading mob mentality on websites or social networking sites to harass or persecute one person);

Sexting: (Taking or sending an explicit photo of oneself and forwarding it to friends or potential boyfriends/girlfriends);

Videojacking: (Videotaping a target without his knowledge/approval and uploading the video to a popular video-sharing websites.)

The Luke Story

I often get emails from people that have been targeted by bullies.  I wanted to share the story of a courageous young man.


I know you are probably wondering who I am and why I am writing to you. My name is Luke Nelson and I am a 24 year old from Southwest MN living in a small town named Balaton. I am writing to you to share a miracle story in hopes of changing many people’s lives.

While I was in my mother’s womb I had a blot clot in my brain that was cutting off the blood flow to my cerebellum. When I was born there was 1/3 of my cerebellum missing due to the clot and the chance of survival was minimal. Miraculously, I lived through birth but the doctors still had doubt on their minds. I was told that I would never live a normal life. I wouldn’t be able to walk without bumping into things, ride a bike, attend a normal school and so on. Overcoming the doctor’s expectations, I surpassed their doubts and many more. The only result from the clot is that I bob my head, which was the start to the teasing and bullying.

All my life I have been laughed at because I bob my head. I remember being at a cross-country meets and other runners would point and laugh because I was bobbing my head when I was running. The one that hurt the most was in Mexico on a Missions trip and a little girl was laughing and bobbing her head along with me. I know she was young and didn’t know any better but something about being in another country having a little girl point and laugh got to me.

I hear and see about kids and even adults getting bullied and it hurts me. Not only does it hurt me but I know the pain they are going through. Not that long ago in a town close to mine, two girls committed suicide because of bullying. This not only hurt me but the whole town. These two girls had there whole lives to live but decided to end it because a couple of kids where bullying them.
Through my life of being bullied and seeing a lot of other victims, it has made me realize my purpose in life. That is to help everyone I can that is going through the same thing as I did because I know how it feels and know it is impossible to get through it alone. Once I shared this story to a women whose son was going through the same things I went through. The impact of the story gave her so much hope for her son and that is my dream, to give hope to thousands.

If you or you know of anyone that could help get this out I would be so grateful! It hurts me so much to see and hear of kids and adults getting bullied because I know the hurt and pain that it can cause. I just want everyone to know there is a hope and they are not alone. If you would contact me to let me know that this was received that would be great. My e-mail is luke_nelson_228@hotmail.com.

Thank for your time and God Bless,
Luke Nelson

Luke, you inspire me!  Tell everyone you meet your story so together we make a difference in the world.  Our mission - ANTI Bullying.

Your friend,

Mike Bogdanski

The Called Him Pork Chop

Canadian poet Shane Koyczan, best known for his spoken word performance at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, has scored a viral hit with his anti-bullying video, Pork Chop.
An animated, poetic take on bullying and how it affects the lives of children and adults, the seven and a half minute video posted on February 19 has already received more 1.1 million hits and thousands of comments. It is part of the anti-bullying campaigner’s To This Day Project.

Mike

America's ANTI Bully

ANTI Bully Activism

In the wake of the Amanda Todd tragedy, singer/songwriter Jason G. Ridge felt compelled to write a song to raise awareness and help in the fight against bullying. He then contacted me to join forces to create a content filled project. We met three weeks ago, and agreed to work together and strike quickly to get this song and message out to the world. We both believe greatly in this cause, and we’re excited to release Jason’s single “Heartbeat”, our official music video, behind the scenes video and our public service announcement. 

We’re proud of what we’ve brought to fruition in this short three-week span, from the recording studio, to the final upload of our music video. To be able to release this during Anti-Bullying week is amazing. We’d love it if you would take the time to watch our videos, and if you are interested, purchase the single (part of the proceeds will be donated to Kids Help Phone – Canada). 

Links
Music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJAfmn1b6Wo
Buy the single: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jasongridge *part of the proceeds go to Kids Help Phone (Canada)
Behind the scenes video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA3MYVf9ZFc
Public Service Announcement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0exyV9k-AoA
Jason’s Blog Post for the project: http://www.intaerim.com/jason-g-ridge-heartbeat/

Not bad for two Chatham-Kent residents (Merlin and Blenheim to be exact). No one should have to live their life in fear, let’s put an end to bullying, once, and for all.

If you’re interested in doing an article, or interviewing Jason and I, simply email me at wade_vermeersch@hotmail.com or call me at 519-809-5523!

Well Done!

Mike

TV Host bullied For being Overweight

TV host hits back over weight ‘bullying’

An overweight TV news presenter has responded publicly to a viewer’s criticism of her figure, calling him a "bully" in a four-minute speech on air that has gone viral online.

Jennifer Livingston said she thought nothing of the email at first but then thought of her daughters who could take such criticism personally.

The Wisconsin anchorwoman for WKBT-TV did not identify the man, who wrote that he was surprised to see her physical condition had not improved for years. He also told her he hopes she doesn’t consider herself a suitable example for young people.


Mike Bogdanski
America's ANTI Bully
860-315-0205

Facebook ANTI Bully Feature

To Facebook users, it seems there’s always a new feature popping up on the site.
But the latest change has a serious aim. The social media site has launched efforts to help kids tackle online bullying.

The new addition allows teens to report mean or threatening posts by simply clicking “This is a problem.”  Facebook teamed up with Yale, Columbia and Berkley Universities to create the tool.
It’s aimed at 13 and 14 year olds, the minimum age for a user on the site, and will replace the old “Report” link.

Clicking the new button takes users through a questionnaire to rank their emotions and determine how serious the problem is.  Users then get a list of suggestions on how to resolve the issue based on how serious the complaint is.  Depending on the situation, users can be prompted to send pre-written messages to their aggressor or to get help from a friend or adult.

There are also links to professionals for those who may be feeling suicidal.  Kids spend much of their time online and cyber bullying is a growing problem.  That’s why the tool’s developers say Facebook wants to help younger users develop better ways to communicate their feelings.
The tool is currently in its test phase and is available to some users. It will be available to all Facebook users here in the U.S. later this week.

Captain McFinn and Friends

captainmcfinn.com

As an international ANTI Bully activist I am constantly looking for ways to educate children about bullying after I visit their schools. I believe that children need a regular inoculation in anti bully education. In the last several years I have done more and more elementary school presentations than I have in the past and found that quality elementary school level books were lacking.

Until now.

Phylis Cafaro and Esther Buschau blow me away with the Captain McFinn and Friends book series. My first impression of the books is the quality and vividness of the colors and the characters. The McFinn and friends have "real" personality as she draws them and they come alive with the art. The undersea kingdom theme gives a real adventure flavor to the book. My most favorite part of the book was the concept of "turning bullies into buddies". Using virtue as their guide, the targets "save" the bully and turn him into a HERO. Well Done Captain McFinn.

Can't wait for for more adventures and more music!

Mike Bogdanski
America's ANTI Bully
 860-315-0205 Putnam, CT