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Cyberbullying

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Cyberbullying

What is it?

LOL - You don't need a black eye to be bullied - Cyberbullying poster

Cybersmart poster - 'You dont need a black eye to be bullied'

Cyberbullying is using technology to deliberately and repeatedly bully someone else. It can happen to anyone, anytime, and can leave you feeling unsafe and alone.

Cyberbullying can include:

  • abusive texts and emails
  • posting unkind messages or images
  • imitating others online
  • excluding others online 
  • inappropriate image tagging

Remember, treat others as you would like to be treated when communicating online.

How is it different to face-to-face bullying?

While cyberbullying is similar to face-to-face bullying it also differs in the following ways:

  • it can give the person doing the bullying a sense of being anonymous
  • it can occur 24/7 and be difficult to escape
  • it is invasive and you can be targeted while at home
  • it can have a large audience - sent to groups or posted on a public forum 
  • it can be permanent
Stand up and speak out!

 

How do I deal with it?

  • Don’t retaliate or respond.
  • Block the person doing the bullying and change your privacy settings.
  • Report it - Click the report abuse button.
  • Collect the evidence - keep mobile phone messages and print emails or social networking conversations.
  • Talk to someone you trust, like a family member or friend. 

Talking to your teachers or parents can make a difference. Your school may have policies in place to deal with bullying and cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying episode

Play your part – stop the cyberbullying cycle

What do you do if your friend is being bullied online?

While it can be hard to know if your friends are being cyberbullied if you see or know about cyberbullying happening to a friend:

  • Don’t forward messages or pictures. Though you may not have started it, you will become part of the cyberbullying cycle.
  • Stand up and speak out - tell a trusted adult.
  • Support your friend and report the bullying. 

If you want to talk about a problem with cyberbullying, you can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, visit Kids Helpline or contact the Cybersmart Online Helpline service.