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Cyberbullying
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What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to embarrass, threaten, harass, or harm another person. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can feel constant because it can happen anytime, anywhere. With people always connected to their phones, there's often no safe space to disconnect.
Sometimes, cyberbullying is an extension of offline conflict, with issues at school or in real life spilling over into digital spaces. It's also easier for bullies to hide behind screens and act anonymously, which can make the bullying feel even more intense or relentless.
Cyberbullying can take many forms, including:
- Sending threatening or abusive messages
- Posting hurtful comments or trolling on social media
- Targeting on someone in a multi-player online game
- Spreading rumours or gossips about someone online
- Creating fake accounts to damage someone’s reputation
- Sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent
- Deliberately excluding someone from group chats or online communities
Hurtful content shared online can spread fast and stay online for years, damaging a person’s reputation, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Cyberbullying is not just a one-time event and can have lasting consequences.
What Should I Do If I Am Being Bullied Online?
No one should have to deal with cyberbullying, but knowing the most effective ways to stop it will help.
Set Boundaries Online
- Take a break from the conversation and give yourself time to think.
- Let the person know that their actions are upsetting and ask them to stop if you feel safe to voice out.
- Adjust your privacy settings so that only people you know can view your posts or message you.
Think Before You Act
- Resist the temptation to retaliate with mean or hurtful comments as this often makes things worse.
- Think before you post, comment, or send anything, and consider if you might regret it later.
Report Inappropriate Content
- Block the user to stop further contact, especially if they make you feel unsafe.
- If the user posts photos, videos, comments and messages that harass you or threaten your safety, use the platform’s tools to report the user and their content.
- Take screenshots of any messages or content, so you can include them in your report if needed.
Engage A Trusted Person And Seek Support
- Talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or school counsellor for advice and support.
- If you’re not sure who to talk to, reach out to a helpline or support service.
What Should I Do?
Someone keeps making memes of me and sharing them in class group chats. What can I do about it?
Being made fun of online, even through memes, can be hurtful. You don’t have to just put up with it. Here’s what you can do:
- Tell them to stop: Clearly say you’re not okay with these messages and ask them to stop
- Do not retaliate: Resist the temptation to retaliate with mean or hurtful comments as this often makes things worse.
- Collect evidence: Take screenshots of the memes and messages in case you need to report them.
- Report the content: Use the group chat or platform’s tools to report it as bullying or harassment.
- Block or mute the user: Block the person posting the memes and mute the group chat if needed to protect your space.
- Reach out for support: Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, teachers, school counsellors, or close friends. They can help you handle the situation and stand up for you if needed.
I posted something online that I didn’t think was mean, but someone told me it was hurtful. What should I do now?
It’s great that you’re willing to reflect. Sometimes what feels harmless to us can affect others more than we realise. Here’s what you can do:
- Reach out to apologise: Try to understand why the person felt hurt, and offer a sincere apology, especially if you know them personally.
- Remove the post and message: If the content is still online, take it down to prevent the harm from spreading further.
- Think before you post: Next time, consider how your words might be received by others before sharing them.
Taking responsibility for your actions shows maturity and helps make online spaces more respectful and caring for everyone.
Want more tips and tools to build healthier digital habits? Come along and Scroll Smart, Surf Safe with us.