How to handle cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has consequences in real life! It affects friends, schoolwork, and mental health. Luckily, it is possible to deal with it! Here’s how.
Key points
Even if it's hard, it's important to break the silence and talk to a trusted adult about cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can have serious consequences on emotional and mental well-being, self-esteem, and reputation.
There are technical (blocking, reporting) and personal (ignoring, seeking support) ways to protect yourself.
Online threats are serious and can be punished by law. It is important to keep evidence and report them to an adult and the police if necessary.
Don't hesitate to ask for help, you're not alone. Adults and resources are available to help you through this.
If someone’s the victim of cyberbullying, they often don’t want to talk about it. They may be afraid of having their Internet access taken away, of being treated as a snitch, of not being taken seriously, of the cyberbully taking revenge on them, etc. That’s normal. But withdrawing from society only gives the bully much more power. To break free from a bullying problem, you can’t keep it to yourself: talk about it.
I’m being cyberbullied and it’s bothering me. Why?
Cyberbullying can create a feeling of isolation and erode self-esteem. It creates stress, fear, and distress. You might even feel physically ill, find it hard to function in various areas of your life, or feel consumed by negative thoughts. These actions might affect your reputation or you might be living with fear if someone’s threatening you. In other words, if the cyberbullying is making you feel bad, that’s perfectly normal! Don’t keep the problem to yourself. Talk about it to someone you trust. Together, you’ll feel stronger!
How can I protect myself?
To prevent the situation from getting worse, here are some methods to protect yourself from cyberbullying:
Technical methods
Save and print the bullying messages; you need proof of what’s happening to you.
Immediately leave the online environment and activity where it’s happening.
Block contact with the bullies on the relevant platforms; that will prevent you from seeing the messages and you’ll feel less hurt and less tempted to react.
Report violent comments, inappropriate photos, or abuse to the platform managers and your Internet service provider.
If it happens on your cell phone,inform the phone company and block the bully’s phone number.
Personal methods
Just because something’s written down, it doesn’t mean it’s true! Ignore the messages as much as possible and think about your strengths, talents, and successes, and the people who love you.
Ask a friend for help. Surround yourself with people who like you and talk about what’s happening. Together, you’re stronger.
Tell a trusted adult and call the police together, especially if the cyberbullying includes threats of physical harm. If it’s related to your school, tell the school principal too.
Don’t keep your problem to yourself. If people you trust know what’s going on, they can protect you. Remember: nobody deserves to be bullied. Take your courage in both hands and act!
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