Cyberbullying: what is it and how can you protect yourself?
Cyberbullying can be really upsetting if it happens to you. It's when a person uses technology to bully or hurt someone else. It can happen on your phone, computer or tablet and is really hard to escape because young people spend so much time online these days. A cyber-bully might call you names, say mean things about how you look, claim ‘you have no friends' or tell lies about you. They say these negative things to try to make you feel bad about yourself or to feel like they have power over you.
Here are some of the more common types of cyberbullying:
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos to humiliate others
- Spreading rumours or telling harmful lies online
- Sending nasty, abusive emails or messages
- Creating fake online profiles to hurt someone
- Using the Internet to exclude others
If a bully uses technology to send a series of threatening messages and harasses their target over and over, this is called ‘cyberstalking'. Online bullying can be just as hurtful as face-to-face bullying because lots of people can see it and online messages can spread quickly. Sometimes you might not even know who the cyberbully is. Having harmful messages removed from the online world can also be hard to do sometimes.
How you can fight cyberbullying
If you've been cyberbullied, just remember you're not alone. It's NOT your fault and there are things you can do to get through it. It's not weak to ask for help with cyberbullying – it's super-smart! Here are some steps you can take:
- Tell the cyberbully that what they're doing is NOT okay
- Take some screenshots so you have evidence of their messages (ask your parents if you don't know how)
- Get help from the police if it's needed
- Get help from a trusted adult or ring the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (you can call at any time and it's free)
- Get your parents to help you change the settings on your devices so you can block any kids who are sending you (or your friends) nasty online messages
- If you see or receive a bullying post or image, report it to an adult you can trust
- Switch off your technology for a little while – do something else you really enjoy instead
- Don't take part in online bullying – leave the conversation or group
- Don't share, ‘like' or forward hurtful or negative online messages
- Give support to a cyberbullying victim – say kind, positive things to them and ask if they're okay or if they need some help
- If you feel safe, stand up to cyberbullying by asking the bully to stop