Microsoft® Trustworthy Computing: Cyberbullying November 2010
Key Points:
Cyberbullying is a widespread online problem that can result in damaging mental and physical health consequences for youth, including loss of self-esteem and academic challenges.
Industry, government, educators, and other groups can best address cyberbullying collaboratively with a combination of education, enforcement, policies, and technology tools.
Governments play a vital role in helping to combat harassment and threats online through laws that are thoughtfully written to balance safety and freedom of speech.
Background: Bullying among youth has been a serious problem for many years, but technology now provides bullies with new ways to torment their victims, giving rise to the phenomenon of “cyberbullying.” The Cyberbullying Research Center in the United States defines cyberbullying as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.” Some examples of cyberbullying include: sending hateful or threatening messages online or to a cell phone; posting embarrassing pictures or information about someone online with the intent of humiliating another; impersonating someone online; and disclosing another’s private information by forwarding e-mails and/or text messages. Youth who experience cyberbullying can suffer damaging mental health consequences, and according to the Cyberbullying Research Center, “research reveals a link “between cyberbullying and low self‐esteem, family problems, academic problems, school violence, and delinquent behavior. Finally, cyberbullied youth also report having suicidal thoughts.” Estimates of the prevalence of cyberbullying vary, with surveys finding that between 10 percent and 40 percent of youth in the European Union, the United States, and Australia have at one time been victims of cyberbullying. Recognizing the seriousness of the cyberbullying problem, the online technology industry is partnering with governments, industry groups, and others to help address the problem of cyberbullying through efforts like GetNetWise in the United States and Insafe in the European Union.
Microsoft’s Approach:
Microsoft enforces policies against abuse and harassment on our online services such as Windows Live Hotmail® and Windows Live Messenger®. Customers who misuse Microsoft services are subject to account termination. Serious incidents may be reported to law enforcement.
Microsoft provides safety tools like Windows Live Family Safety, which allows parents to monitor their children’s Internet use, and block unwanted contact in Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger.
Microsoft works with governments, law enforcement agencies, educators, children’s advocacy groups, and others worldwide to help create a safer online environment for children by monitoring online services for abuse and providing safety tools and education.
Microsoft produces educational programs and materials for educators, parents, and caregivers on responsible Internet use and guidance on how to address online risks as they arise.
Policy Considerations:
Microsoft believes that governments play a vital role in helping to combat harassment and threats online through laws that are thoughtfully written to balance safety and freedom of speech.
Microsoft supports “safe haven” legislation that encourages companies to moderate online behavior by not holding companies accountable for the actions of online speakers when companies engage in moderation. Examples include Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act and European Union Directive 2000/31/EC.
Microsoft supports anti-bullying education for elementary and secondary school students as part of a comprehensive online safety curriculum.
Guidance for Parents and Caregivers:
As with any safety issue, parents should talk with their kids about cyberbullying. Ask your kids what they're doing online and encourage them to report to you any behavior that resembles bullying. Work with them to take action and explain what you will do. Advise your kids not to respond to bullying messages but to save relevant communications in the event the harassment escalates and needs to be reported to your school, internet service provider or law enforcement agency.
Don't tolerate cyberbullying behavior at home. Let your children know they should never, under any circumstances, bully someone. Make the consequences clear.
Work with your local school to ensure they are creating a culture of safety and have policies in place around responsible use of information and communications technologies among the student body.
Get help from technology. Turn on the safety features available in most programs and services such as those in Windows 7, Windows Vista®, Xbox LIVE®, and the Zune® digital media player to block bullies.
Helpful Resources:
www.microsoft.com/protect Microsoft’s Online Safety, Privacy and Security Education Center.
www.getnetwise.org A comprehensive directory of parental control tools and safety education.
www.cyberbullying.us An extensive site on cyberbullying with research and materials for parents.
www.saferinternet.org An online safety education site created in cooperation with the European Union.
www.bullying.co.uk An online safety education and outreach site in the United Kingdom
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-family-safety Microsoft’s free Windows Live Family Safety software.
www.ikeepsafe.org An online safety education site with extensive resources for both parents and youth.