Bullying has been around for generations and will likely remain a problem for generations to come. The problem is it evolves over time, with playground bullying first moving to mobile phones and email before seizing its chance to be inflicted via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. But there are ways to prevent it and to stop yourself becoming a victim of abuse.

The social networks are aware there’s a problem of bullying on their sites. Facebook in particular has tried to raise awareness about the problem and the solutions to it. Following on from last month’s focus on it for National Crime Prevention Month in the United States, Facebook is now highlighting the problem of bullying for National Anti-Bullying Week in the United Kingdom.

According to the Facebook Blog, here are the steps to take in order to prevent becoming a victim of bullying on the site. And most can be applied to other social networks as well.

Accept Friend Requests from People You Know

This is common sense that is often ignored, especially by younger people who want as many friends as possible on the site. However, adding people you don’t know in real life opens you up to the possibility for abuse and bullying from strangers or those bearing a grudge.

Use the Block Feature

Assuming someone has got through and is bullying on the site, the block feature can be your true friend. It severs all contact with the person and should prevent any further abuse taking place.

Report Abusive Behavior

All across Facebook there is the opportunity to report back to the site. So if you receive an unpleasant message, simply report it and let Facebook investigate the incident and make a judgment on whether it goes against the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.

Customize Your Privacy Settings

Don’t stick with the default privacy settings when you join Facebook. These can be tinkered to your own needs and control who can see certain parts of your profile, who can contact you and a host of other facets of the site.

Respond to Abusers in the Right Way

Probably the most important piece of advice for anyone being bullied or abused online. Don’t keep the circle of hate going or inflame the incident. Instead, block the person who is causing the trouble, report it to the relevant body (in this case Facebook), and do not lower yourself to the bully’s level.

Related:

Entry was posted on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 9:34 pm under Internet, Opinion, Social Media, Technology.

Read more entries by Dave Parrack.
Stumble It!