Free GLBTQ by Kelly Huegel

were the victims of cyberbullying. The popularity of social media sites and use of text messaging has resulted in an increase of cyberbullying. According to GLSEN’s “2009 National School Climate Survey,” 53 percent of students reported having been victims of cyberbullying.
    Cyberbullying can take place via electronic means and forums such as email, chat rooms, social media pages, instant messaging, text messaging, and blogs.
    According to the Stop Bullying Now project ( www.stopbullying.gov/kids ), cyberbullying includes:
Sending mean, vulgar, or threatening messages or images
Posting sensitive, private information and/or lies about another person
Pretending to be someone else in order to make another person look bad
Intentionally excluding someone from an online group
    This form of harassment can be particularly tough to deal with because messages communicated electronically often can be quickly and broadly distributed, and it’s not always easy to tell who is sending the messages.
    Putting an end to cyberbullying involves many of the same steps as stopping in-person harassment. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) advises young people to tell a trusted adult about the harassment so she or he can help get the proper authorities involved. In the case of online harassment, the NCPC also encourages you to report the abuse to site administrators and to use online tools to block hurtful messages. In severe cases, changing your email address or phone number is suggested.
    If it becomes necessary to involve law enforcement or other officials, you will want a record of the bullying. As much as you might want to delete the offensive messages, it’s a good idea to keep them to document and prove what’s happened. Also, if you are not sure who is harassing you, electronic messages often can be traced back to the source.
The Good News
    Although a lot of negativity exists toward GLBTQ people, the world continues to change for the better. Not all (or even most) straight people are anti-gay. Young people are helping to make the biggest difference when it comes to promoting positive attitudes about GLBTQ people. A Gallup poll conducted in May of each year asks Americans about their attitudes toward homosexuality. In 2008, 57 percent of all Americans surveyed said they found homosexuality to be an acceptable lifestyle, compared with only 34 percent in 1982. Acceptance of GLBTQ people is even higher among younger generations—75 percent of Americans ages 18 to 34 surveyed said they feel homosexuality is acceptable.
    While it’s likely you’ll encounter homophobia in your life, you will also—and hopefully far more often—encounter acceptance.
    Help for Harassment
    Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
    (212) 727-0135 • glsen.org
    GLSEN works to create safe schools for all GLBTQ people, but especially students. The organization’s website offers a variety of resources and information on safe schools efforts, including gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and anti-discrimination legislation. It also includes information specific to stopping anti-GLBTQ bullying.
    Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
    1-800-777-4723 • hrc.org
    The Human Rights Campaign works to protect the rights of GLBTQ people and improve their quality of life. The group is a resource for the latest information on GLBTQ legislative issues and campaigns such as National Coming Out Day.
    National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)
    (202) 393-5177 • thetaskforce.org
    The NGLTF works at the local, state, and national levels to fight prejudice and violence against queer people. The organization provides many services including legal assistance and referrals to other professionals.
    Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
    (202) 467-8180 • pflag.org
    PFLAG provides materials and support services for queer people and their families.
    It Gets Better Project
    itgetsbetterproject.com
    Does it