Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies: on social media, messaging platforms, online platforms, phones and games. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted.
WHAT?
Examples include:
- Abusive texts, emails, posts and messages.
- Threats.
- Nasty comments, photos and gossip.
- Pretending to be someone else online to stir trouble.
- ‘Leaving people out’ online.
- Blackmail.
- Hate pages.
Examples include:
- spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone on social media
- sending hurtful, abusive or threatening messages, images or videos via messaging platforms
- impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf or through fake accounts.
How to deal with cyberbullying if it's happening to you:
Sources and more info:
- Don’t fight back!
- Don’t post abusive messages.
- Report it and collect the evidence.
- Learn how to block the person who is bullying.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Support the person being bullied — ask them if they're OK.
- Don’t forward messages or pictures if you see them.
- Stand up and speak out — keep the messages to show a trusted adult or a leader in the community.
- Report and block the person — this can be done online anonymously and can help keep you safe.
Sources and more info:
The top questions on cyberbullying
- Am I being bullied online? How do you tell the difference between a joke and bullying?
- What are the effects of cyberbullying?
- How can cyberbullying affect my mental health?
- Who should I talk to if someone is bullying me online? Why is reporting important?
- I’m experiencing cyberbullying, but I’m afraid to talk to my parents about it. How can I approach them?
- How can I help my friends report a case of cyberbullying especially if they don’t want to do it?
- How do we stop cyberbullying without giving up access to the internet?
- How do I prevent my personal information from being used to manipulate or humiliate me on social media?
- Is there a punishment for cyberbullying?
- Technology companies don’t seem to care about online bullying and harassment. Are they being held responsible?
- Are there any online anti-bullying tools for children or young people?
