Mobile bullying is just not right. So we've worked with NetSafe and other New Zealand networks to make sure we have clear policies and procedures for dealing with mobile bullying.
What is mobile bullying?
Any type of repetitive texting, calling or picture messaging that makes you feel threatened, offended or harassed is mobile bullying. 2degrees takes a very firm line on such behaviour, and we have mechanisms in place to prevent bullying on our network.
What to do if you’re being bullied or harassed.
The following are guidelines from NetSafe:
1. Don’t reply
- Often the sender will get bored and stop sending messages if they don’t get a response.
- More importantly, in accordance with the agreed industry policy, you need to have received 4 unreplied to, unwanted messages before we can take action. So it’s important not to write/call back.
- You should never respond to a text from an unknown number.
2. Speak to a trusted friend or family member for support.
- It’s important that you confide in someone early on, who can provide advice.
3. Keep the unwanted messages so you can report them.
- We need this information so we can help do something about it.
4. Let us know.
- If you have received 4 or more unwanted, unreplied to messages or calls please call us on 200 to report it. We will investigate and can take appropriate action to stop the bullying – this may be in the form of a warning, barring or even deactivating the customer depending on the level of severity of the bullying.
- If the bullying is coming from another mobile network, we have agreements in place with Vodafone and Telecom to do what we can to stop it.
5. Important: Threatening messages
- If you get message that threatens to harm you or your property, this is a criminal offence. You should report this immediately to your local police station.
For further information and advice, visit www.netsafe.org.nz.
