Cyberbullying

Some people feel that they can use the internet to get away with bullying others.

Cyberbullying is when technology, like mobile devices and the internet, is used to cause harm to another person or group. This is done through deliberate, repeated behaviour. It can be done by an individual or a group. It might be someone you know, or it could be a stranger.

A man experiencing cyberbullying when he using the internet

Cyberbullying may involve:

  • abusive language
  • intimidation
  • threats
  • humiliation.

By using technology, like mobile devices and the internet, cyberbullying can affect you not just at school or work, but at home as well. It can happen at any time of the day or night and make you feel upset or threatened in your own home.

The emotional and psychological effects of cyberbullying can be extremely upsetting. Cyberbullying hurts people. It can ruin lives. No one should ever have to put up with it.

It’s hard to stop cyberbullying from happening because most people have access to mobile devices and the internet. But by looking out for each other we can find ways to avoid cyberbullying and create a community that says no to bullying.

Don’t start it – cyberbullying is never okay. Think before you post something mean or send someone a hurtful message.

Don’t be a part of it – never forward pictures, messages or insults about a person – that’s contributing to cyberbullying. You can do something to stop cyberbullying. If someone tries to involve you in cyberbullying, say NO.

Don’t let it get out of control – you need to tell someone if you are being cyberbullied so they can help you make it stop.

Stand up – speak up and tell someone you trust if you know someone is being bullied online, or you see cyberbullying happening.

Top tips

  • Think before you post something on the internet about another person.
  • Think about other ways to resolve problems with others – the internet is not always the best place to do it.
  • Have respectful relationships – respect for each other, for our privacy and for our rights online.
  • Learn how to block and report people on the sites you use – if you’re being bullied, delete or block the person or update the settings to ‘private’.
  • Build resilience to deal with nasty one-off comments