Cyberbullying
If you’re experiencing cyberbullying you’re not alone. It can be humiliating, upsetting and difficult to escape. There are some things you can do to protect yourself.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is using technology to bully or hurt someone else.
Cyberbullying can include:
- Sending/sharing nasty, hurtful or abusive messages or emails
- Humiliating others by posting/sharing embarrassing videos or images
- Spreading rumours or lies online
- Setting up fake online profiles
- Excluding others online
- Repeated harassment and threatening messages (cyberstalking)
If you’re being cyberbullied
It’s important to remember:
- It’s NOT your fault
- You’re not alone
- There is help available
- It’s not weak to get help
- There are things you can do
- You can get through this
What makes cyberbullying so hurtful?
While any type of bullying can be hurtful, cyberbullying can hurt someone just as much as physical or verbal bullying because:
- It’s public – lots of people can see it
- It spreads quickly
- It can be hard to escape
- The bully can be anonymous
- Removing it can be difficult
There are ways to protect yourself
It’s important to keep in mind that dealing with any type of bullying is about finding a solution that works for you.Here are some steps you can take:
Tell them it's not ok
Get help from the police if needed
Block and report the person
Report the post or image
Seek help from a trusted adult or Kids Helpline
Make a report to esafety if the post/image doesn’t get removed
Keep evidence – take some screenshots
Switch off for a while – do something else you enjoy
Report Cyberbullying
You're not alone when it comes to dealing with cyberbullying! You can make a complaint to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
It’s important to respond if you see others being cyberbullied
Preventing cyberbullying is everyone's responsibility
Here’s what you can do:
- Report it
- Don’t forward or share
- Don’t participate or retaliate
- Leave the group or conversation
- Say something kind or positive to the person being cyberbullied
- If it’s safe, take a stand against it and ask them to stop
- Let them know that bullying is NOT ok
- Support the person being cyberbullied online and offline
"Don’t take what they say to heart… there will always be people that love and care for you and they are the ones who really matter" – Kody, 20yo
Support is always available
If you’re having issues with cyberbullying it’s important to talk to someone you trust.
If you need help to get through this, give us a call, start a WebChat or send us an email today.
You could also visit the eSafety website to find out more about cyberbullying and what you can do.
This content was last reviewed
