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What is cyberbullying?
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Short definition
- Cyberbullying is using digital devices, apps, or online platforms to harass, threaten, embarrass, humiliate, exclude, or otherwise harm someone repeatedly or intentionally.
Common forms
- Mean or threatening messages, comments, or posts
- Spreading rumors or lies online
- Impersonation (creating fake accounts to embarrass someone)
- Sharing private or sexual images without consent (revenge porn)
- Excluding someone from online groups on purpose
- Doxxing (posting personal information to intimidate)
- Persistent unwanted contact or cyberstalking
How it differs from traditional bullying
- Can be anonymous and reach a wide audience instantly
- Can happen 24/7 and follow the target into private spaces
- Harmful content can be hard to remove and can be shared repeatedly
Why it’s harmful
- Causes anxiety, depression, low self‑esteem, sleep or appetite changes, declining school or work performance, and in severe cases can contribute to self‑harm or suicidal thoughts.
Signs someone might be being cyberbullied
- Sudden withdrawal from social media or friends
- Appearing upset after using a phone or computer
- Avoiding school or activities, falling grades
- Changes in mood, sleep, or eating
- Unexplained secretiveness about online life
What to do if you’re being cyberbullied
1. Don’t respond or retaliate — replies often escalate the situation.
2. Preserve evidence — save screenshots, URLs, dates/times, and account names.
3. Use platform tools — block, mute, and report the abusive accounts/posts.
4. Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) or employer/school official.
5. If images are shared without consent, report to the platform and seek legal help — many places have laws against distributing intimate images.
6. If you’re threatened with violence, targeted with stalking, or feel in danger, contact local law enforcement.
7. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or suicidal, contact a crisis line or emergency services immediately.
If you see someone else being cyberbullied (bystander actions)
- Don’t join in or share the content.
- Report the content to the platform and, if appropriate, tell a trusted adult or school official.
- Reach out privately to the victim to offer support and encourage them to save evidence and report.
Legal and school policies
- Laws and school policies vary by location but many places treat severe cyberbullying as harassment, stalking, or a criminal offense. Nonconsensual sharing of intimate images is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Resources (examples)
- StopBullying.gov (U.S.) and local anti-bullying helplines
- National or local crisis/suicide prevention hotlines if someone is in immediate danger
If you want, tell me whether you’re asking for yourself, for a parent/teacher, or for a school policy — I can give more specific steps, scripts for reporting, or resources in your country.
- Cyberbullying is using digital devices, apps, or online platforms to harass, threaten, embarrass, humiliate, exclude, or otherwise harm someone repeatedly or intentionally.
Common forms
- Mean or threatening messages, comments, or posts
- Spreading rumors or lies online
- Impersonation (creating fake accounts to embarrass someone)
- Sharing private or sexual images without consent (revenge porn)
- Excluding someone from online groups on purpose
- Doxxing (posting personal information to intimidate)
- Persistent unwanted contact or cyberstalking
How it differs from traditional bullying
- Can be anonymous and reach a wide audience instantly
- Can happen 24/7 and follow the target into private spaces
- Harmful content can be hard to remove and can be shared repeatedly
Why it’s harmful
- Causes anxiety, depression, low self‑esteem, sleep or appetite changes, declining school or work performance, and in severe cases can contribute to self‑harm or suicidal thoughts.
Signs someone might be being cyberbullied
- Sudden withdrawal from social media or friends
- Appearing upset after using a phone or computer
- Avoiding school or activities, falling grades
- Changes in mood, sleep, or eating
- Unexplained secretiveness about online life
What to do if you’re being cyberbullied
1. Don’t respond or retaliate — replies often escalate the situation.
2. Preserve evidence — save screenshots, URLs, dates/times, and account names.
3. Use platform tools — block, mute, and report the abusive accounts/posts.
4. Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) or employer/school official.
5. If images are shared without consent, report to the platform and seek legal help — many places have laws against distributing intimate images.
6. If you’re threatened with violence, targeted with stalking, or feel in danger, contact local law enforcement.
7. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or suicidal, contact a crisis line or emergency services immediately.
If you see someone else being cyberbullied (bystander actions)
- Don’t join in or share the content.
- Report the content to the platform and, if appropriate, tell a trusted adult or school official.
- Reach out privately to the victim to offer support and encourage them to save evidence and report.
Legal and school policies
- Laws and school policies vary by location but many places treat severe cyberbullying as harassment, stalking, or a criminal offense. Nonconsensual sharing of intimate images is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Resources (examples)
- StopBullying.gov (U.S.) and local anti-bullying helplines
- National or local crisis/suicide prevention hotlines if someone is in immediate danger
If you want, tell me whether you’re asking for yourself, for a parent/teacher, or for a school policy — I can give more specific steps, scripts for reporting, or resources in your country.
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