What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone is bullied online or through digital communication, such as:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Social media
- Messaging apps
- Online games or chat platforms
It usually involves repeated harmful behaviour.
Definition (Easy Read version)
Cyberbullying is when someone:
- Sends hurtful messages online
- Embarrasses or humiliates someone
- Threatens or scares someone
- Does this more than once
What cyberbullying can look like
It can include:
- Sending nasty or threatening messages
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos
- Spreading rumours online
- Excluding someone from group chats
- Pretending to be someone else online
- Making fake accounts to target someone
Why cyberbullying happens
The internet can sometimes make bullying easier because:
1. Anonymity
- People can hide who they are
- Fake accounts can be created easily
2. Distance from the victim
- People feel less responsible when they are not face-to-face
- Screens can reduce empathy
3. Social media and peer pressure
- Some people bully for attention
- Some copy others’ behaviour
4. Lack of consequences (in some cases)
- People think they won’t be caught
- This can increase risky behaviour
Important note
The internet is also very positive and useful:
- Keeping in touch with friends
- Learning and education
- Entertainment and gaming
- Accessing support and information
But it can also be misused.
Who are “trolls” or cyberbullies?
Sometimes people who bully online are called:
- Trolls
- Cyberbullies
They may:
- Hide behind fake identities
- Post harmful content repeatedly
- Target individuals or groups
Impact of cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can cause:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Fear and stress
- Social withdrawal
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- School avoidance
Because it is online, it can feel:
- Constant
- Inescapable
- Public
Why cyberbullying feels so intense
- It can happen 24/7
- Messages can be shared widely
- Victims may not know who is responsible
- It can follow someone everywhere (phone, home, school)
How to recognise cyberbullying
Signs may include:
- Upset after using phone or computer
- Avoiding social media or devices
- Sudden anxiety or stress
- Withdrawal from friends
- Reluctance to go online
What you can do to stop cyberbullying
1. Do not respond
- Do not reply to bullying messages
- Responding can sometimes escalate it
2. Block and report
- Block the person
- Report accounts or messages
- Use platform safety tools
3. Save evidence
- Take screenshots
- Keep messages or posts
4. Talk to someone
- Trusted adult
- Teacher or safeguarding staff
- Parent or carer
- Support services
5. Get support
- School safeguarding team
- Counselling services
- Online safety organisations
- Helplines if needed
How to stay safe online
- Keep personal information private
- Use strong privacy settings
- Only accept friend requests from people you know
- Think before posting or sharing
- Log out of shared devices
Key safeguarding message
- Cyberbullying is a form of abuse
- It happens online through messages, posts, or social media
- It can be anonymous or hidden
- It can have serious emotional and mental health effects
- Help and support are always available
Easy Read summary
- Cyberbullying is bullying online
- It can happen through texts, emails, or social media
- It can be hurtful or scary messages
- It can happen again and again
- It can make people feel sad, anxious, or unsafe
- Always tell someone you trust
- Block and report harmful people
- You are not alone
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