In This Section
Cyberbullying
What Is Cyberbullying?
While the definitions of cyberbullying, sometimes called online bullying, vary from source to source, most definitions consist of:
- 1. electronic forms of contact
- 2. an aggressive act
- 3. intent
- 4. repetition
- 5. harm to the target
- (Hutson, 2016)
Cyberbullying can be anonymous, which can sometimes make it even worse. It also has a wider audience and can spread quickly. Finally, targets of cyberbullying often feel like they can’t escape the bullying. If someone is bullying you at school, it’s over when you leave for the day. But cyberbullying can follow you home and continue all night.
Imagine a classmate posts a photo of themselves online. Someone else makes a mean, mocking comment about the photo. Soon, that photo has been shared, liked, reposted—even made into a meme. Thousands of people have seen it, even people the person being targeted doesn’t know. That’s why cyberbullying can be extra hurtful: it’s public, it spreads quickly, and it’s 24/7.
Cyberbullying is often defined as an aggressive, intentional, and repeated act against someone using technology, such as email, texting, social media, or instant messages.
What you can do about cyberbullying
If you see someone being bullied online, here’s what you can do:
Show support for the individual(s) being bullied.
- Choose not to join in on the bullying. You may feel pressure to join in if a lot of other people are. You can make your own choice not to contribute to the situation.
- Don’t “like” or share posts that are bullying someone. When you see negative behavior happening online, don’t contribute to it.
- Respond with positive support. If you feel comfortable, and if it’s safe for you, publicly show your solidarity with the person being targeted by the bullying. Even one nice comment among a bunch of mean ones can make a world of difference.
- Reach out to the person being bullied. Send them a private message letting them know that you don’t agree with what’s happening, they don’t deserve to be treated like that, and they’re not along. Encourage them to report the bullying, or to tell an adult.
Document and report
- Let an adult know what’s happening. Tell your teacher, a social worker, or another trusted adult at school. If outside of school, find an adult you trust and ask for their advice.
- Report the behavior to the social media platform. The following companies provide guidelines for how to report and address cyberbullying on their sites:
Cyberbullying – Student Perspective | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Episode 23
Students provide their insights about how to address and prevent cyberbullying.
5 Unique Aspects of Cyberbullying | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Ep 22
Teens Respond to “I Care Because” Statement: Cyberbullying | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 2, Episode 18
The “I Care Because” section features statements from individuals around the world, sharing why they care about bullying prevention. In this episode teens read and respond to a statements about cyberbullying, sharing their insight and advice.
Cyberbullying: More Questions Answered By Kids | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 16
Age 13 is when teens are typically able to sign up for many social media accounts. But does cyberbullying only start at age 13 when teens start getting these accounts? In this video we ask kids about this question and about all things cyberbullying. Check out their amazing responses.
Cyberbullying:What Makes it Unique | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 13
The dynamics of using technology to hurt, harm or humiliate another individual or group are examined in this video.
Video: Teen Talk on Cyberbullying
Ideas for Addressing Cyberbullying | PACERTalks About Bullying, Season 2, Episode 13
In this video, are tips on how to address and prevent cyberbullying, and what to do if you see it happening online.