Bullying and Cyber-Harassment
Bullying is a distinctive pattern of repeatedly and deliberately intimidating, degrading or humiliating a person. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated over time. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. It may take place face to face on campus, via phone or email, within residential colleges, or online via ‘cyber-bullying or cyber-harassment’.
Cyber-bullying
Cyberbullying is a digital form of harassment that can occur via messaging, apps, online platforms and social media – anywhere people can view, participate in, or share content. Although technology makes it easier for people to bully others, it doesn’t make it acceptable. The aim of a cyberbullying is to annoy, upset or confuse the person who is targeted, so that they react emotionally. If you’re being bullied, keep in mind that the person who’s targeting you wants you to respond. Don’t respond immediately. When you are calm, you may wish to confront the bully directly. Make it clear that their behaviour is unwelcome and unacceptable and ask them to stop. If this does not work, take a screenshot, block, delete, and report the person who is targeting you.
Reporting
To report a matter, you may wish to seek further advice from the Student Welfare Service. If you are bullied by a student or group of students, the matter will be dealt with under the Student Misconduct Rule. If you are bullied by a staff member, the matter will be dealt with under the Bullying Prevention Policy. To find out more about Bullying, visit the Western Sydney University Bullying webpage.
Support
Students are encouraged to access free confidential counselling services, which is available by telephone, Zoom or eCounselling online – see Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Quiz
All students participating in a project Global Learning experience must watch the above video and complete the quiz below. On completion of the quiz, return to the Go Global portal and confirm that you have watched the video and completed the quiz.
Contact
For further advice and information, contact goglobal@westernsydney.edu.au or Book for Advising.
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