TXT bullying

Using a mobile to harass or threaten someone is unacceptable and something can be done about it.

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are some simple steps you can take to help stop TXT bullying:

• Be careful about who you give out your number to. Don't give it to people you don't know and don't give out someone else's details without asking them first
• If you get a TXT from an unknown number or unwanted TXTs, don't reply.

If you are getting unwanted messages the two ways you could handle this are:

1. If you don't want to receive the messages at all you can use the Blacklist service - this allows you to stop receiving TXTs and PXTs from mobile numbers you select. See how you can get Blacklist.
2. Or you can continue to receive the messages. Here's a few things to remember:
   • Don't reply to the messages.
   • If you are concerned or upset by the message talk to someone you trust about it. If the messages are threatening take them to the police.
   • If you get a number of messages that concern or upset you help is available. Keep a record of the messages and don't reply.

If necessary there are a number of things Vodafone can do to help, like warning the bully, stopping TXTing from their account, temporarily barring their account or even permanently deactivating their account from our network.

To take action we require evidence of four calls or TXTs. Call us on 777 or you can free TXT 'Bully' to 4001 and we will get in touch.

Other organisations are able to offer support.
There are materials available on the NetSafe website. Youth counselling services such as Youthline (0800 37 66 33) and What's Up (0800 WHATSUP) are also able to offer support. LifeLine (0800 543 354) also provides free, professional and confidential telephone counselling services.