The Internet Bullying Circle

An adaption of “The Bullying Circle”

by Dan Olweus, PhD.

Bully
Often the makes the first public post.
Continues to torment both in public
(ie. profile wall and comments) and
via direct messages. They feel it does
not matter as it is only on Facebook. Resister, Defender, Witness
Shows support for the target by
reporting or flagging the bully’s posts
and lets an adult know what is going
on. My private message the target to
show support.

Henchmen
Quickly jumps into posting
along with the bully. They do
not plan or start the bullying
and will not usually direct
message the target.
In-The-Dark Adults
Parents, teachers and other
adults of all participants who do
know how to use Facebook and
therefore do not monitor their
child’s usage. When confronted
with the issue, the plead
ignorance.

Active Supporters
Will notice the attacks
and will post to “be part
of the group”. Often will
send a direct message
to the bully to
encourage or support
them.

Potential Witness
Passive Supporters Disengaged Onlookers Reads the attacking comments
Creeps around the target’s profile Reads the target’s wall but is but is uncertain what to do.
and follows the drama as it uninterested in helping or They do not know the ways to
unfolds. Does not engage in the attacking. help in the digital world and
attack publicly or privately. move on without acting.