Cyberbullying: what it is exactly, and how to stop it

The internet can often be a dark and dangerous place, leaving people emotionally scarred by some of the messages that are sent their way. The sad reality is that anyone can fall victim to hatred online, whether it be from stalkers or trolls. Thankfully, there are some important ways that you and your loved ones can overcome this horrible form of harassment.

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment or bullying that takes place online or through digital communication channels. If you have experienced intimidation, threats, or humiliation via social media or other forms of technology, then you have been a victim of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can take various forms, including spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, sending hurtful messages, or creating fake profiles to impersonate and harass the victim.

Much like other types of bullying, cyber harassment often occurs repeatedly over time, making it difficult for the victim to escape.

If left unaddressed, bullying like this can lead to far more dangerous and detrimental forms of harassment, such as doxxing (revealing personal information), swatting (making false reports to emergency services), or stalking.

Cyberbullying can have long-lasting consequences on the mental health and well-being of a victim, including increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

Identification

Identifying cyberbullying involves recognizing patterns of behavior that are intended to harm or distress someone online. Now, let’s look at the signs.

Signs that someone is a victim of cyberbullying may include sudden changes in mood or behavior, reluctance to use or access digital devices, withdrawal from social activities, or avoidance of certain online spaces.

Victims of cyberbullying may also experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or academic difficulties as a result of the harassment.

It’s important to monitor the online activities and communication of children and teenagers, as they are particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying. Parents and educators should be aware of the signs of cyberbullying and take proactive steps to address it.

Creating open lines of communication with children and adolescents can help them feel comfortable discussing any issues or concerns they may have about online harassment.

Encouraging empathy and respect for others’ feelings and boundaries can also help prevent cyberbullying before it occurs. It is imperative to teach children and teenagers about digital citizenship and responsible online behavior, including the consequences of cyberbullying.

Establish clear rules and consequences for inappropriate behavior–both online and offline–and consistently enforce them.

Speak up

Victims of cyberbullying should be encouraged to speak up and seek support from trusted adults, friends, or helplines. It is every person’s responsibility to take all reports of cyberbullying seriously and investigate them promptly and thoroughly.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim, you must document any evidence of cyberbullying, such as screenshots of harmful messages or posts, to provide to authorities if necessary.

The great thing about most social media platforms is that they have privacy settings and security features put in place to control who can contact you. If you’d like to set this up, we recommend doing some research into how this can be done for each platform.

Block or unfriend individuals who engage in cyberbullying behavior, and report them to the platform’s administrators.

Consider taking breaks from social media or limiting online activity if it becomes overwhelming or distressing. There are even apps that allow users to forcibly limit their screen time by putting a lock on their device, in case you constantly find yourself reaching for your phone, for instance.

You are not at fault

Victims of cyberbullying should never blame themselves for the harassment they experience, and it is crucial to remind them that they are not responsible for the actions of their bullies.

Over 60 percent of children and 40 percent of adults have been targeted by cyberbullies. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources and organizations available to help victims of cyberbullying.

Encourage bystanders to intervene and speak out against cyberbullying when they witness it happening. This also helps promote a community that engages in positive online communication and empathy.

Laws and regulations

Educate yourself about the laws and policies regarding cyberbullying in your jurisdiction. If you find the regulations lacking, you can advocate for stronger measures to prevent and address it.

If your child has been a victim of bullying in any form, you can also contact their school and community to advocate for more comprehensive anti-bullying policies and programs that address both in-person and online harassment.

It’s quite important to encourage individuals to think critically about the content they share online and consider the potential impact on others before posting

Coping mechanisms

To diminish the effects of online harassment, you can try to develop healthy coping strategies, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

If you feel that this is something achievable, you could also collaborate with technology companies, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to develop innovative solutions to prevent and combat cyberbullying.

There are also education campaigns and workshops that help raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying. These have had a history of empowering individuals to stand up and be allies to those who have been victims.

If you find out that someone you know has been engaging in cyberbullying, it’s important to remain calm and confront the perpetrator privately and respectfully. Regardless of how egregious the act may be, they must be provided an opportunity to rectify their actions.

Educate the perpetrator on the consequences of cyberbullying and encourage them to take responsibility for the harm they’ve caused

If the cyberbullying persists or escalates, consider involving other trusted individuals or authorities, such as parents, teachers, school administrators, or law enforcement, depending on the severity of the situation.

Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive online environment where everyone can participate without fear of harassment or abuse.