The ease with which people can stay relatively anonymous online has changed the ground-rules when it comes to cyber-bulling and its close cousin trolling. Just ask Charlotte Dawson (who fell victim recently) and Robbie Farrah (who seems to have been both victim and perpetrator if today's press is to be believed).
As part of the Cybersmart program, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has developed a series of easy responses to assist children (and in fact anyone) to ward off the trolls.
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IGNORE the troll—don't respond to nasty, immature, offensive comments. Giving trolls the attention they want only gives them more power.
BLOCK the troll—take away their power by blocking them. If they pop up under a different name, block them again.
REPORT trolls—report to site administrators. If they pop up under a different name, report them again. If they continue, contact the police.
TALK with friends and family—If a troll upsets you, talk about it … it's not you, it's them. Visit the Cybersmart Online Helpline or call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
PROTECT friends from trolls—if trolls are upsetting a friend, tell them to Ignore, Block, Report. Tell their family and other friends and encourage them to seek support.
Remember, just like with bullying, it's the troll who has the problem, not their victim.
