Cyberbullying was experienced in the previous 12-months by 26% of the students we spoke to in 2019 and comes in many forms.
Although, like all forms of bullying it is subjective to the recipient, we define cyberbullying as the following
“Cyberbullying is the use of digital technologies with an intent to offend, humiliate, threaten, harass or abuse somebody.”
Anybody can become a recipient of cyberbullying, regardless of how old they are or the kind of job that they do or what their hobbies might be. In fact, it is well documented that a lot of our favourite celebrities and role models also experience cyberbullying, often to an unrelenting extreme.
The most important thing is knowing how to deal with it. Here are the top 9 ways to deal with cyberbullying if you’re being targeted:
1. Never respond
Do not reply to anything that has been said or retaliate by doing the same thing back. Saying something nasty back or posting something humiliating in revenge may make matters worse or even get you into trouble.
2. Screenshot
If you can, take a screenshot of anything that you think could be cyberbullying and keep a record of it on your computer.
3. Block and report
Most online platforms have this function, make sure you block and report the offending users to the appropriate social media platform. Or talk to us about removing it!
4. Talk about it
You may not feel it at the time, but cyberbullying can affect you in many different ways. You are not alone. Talking to somebody about bullying not only helps you seek support but it documents evidence and will take a huge weight from your shoulders.
5. How serious is it?
Assess how serious the cyberbullying is. If it is light name-calling from somebody that you don’t know, it may just be easier to just report and block that user.
6. Report it
If you are experiencing cyberbullying from somebody you go to school or college with, report it to a teacher. If somebody is threatening you, giving out your personal information or making you fear for your safety, contact the Police or an adult as soon as you can.
7. Be private
We recommend that you keep your social media privacy settings high and do not connect with anybody who you do not know offline. You wouldn’t talk to random people on the street, so why do it online?
People may not always be who they say they are and you could be putting you and those that you care about the most at risk. Learn about catfishing here.
8. Talk to them
Sometimes it may be appropriate to request that a teacher or responsible adult hosts a mediation between you and the person who is bullying you online if they go to the same school or college as you. A mediation can be scary but is often incredibly powerful. It is essentially a face-to-face conversation between you and the person bullying you in a controlled, equal environment. This is a proactive and effective way to deal with online bullying.
9. Sympathise.
Always remember that happy and secure people do not bully others. People who bully are going through a difficult time themselves and will often need a lot of help and support. That doesn’t make it right what they are doing but it does give some insight and understanding and help to reassure you that it is never your fault.
Check out our cyberbullying support hub here, report cyberbullying to us or join our community to start a conversation about cyberbullying.
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