Online bullying, or cyberbullying, is when someone uses the internet to target and deliberately upset someone.
Cyberbullying often happens on personal devices that young people have continuous access to. This means it can happen anywhere and at any time, so it can feel like it’s hard to escape. The bully could be either someone that they know, or a complete stranger.
It can be hard to control the spread of messages, images and videos sent online, which means many people could see them in a short period of time. However, online bullying can leave a trail of evidence which can be helpful when dealing with the incident and reporting it.
Types of online bullying
Sending messages aiming to upset, abuse or humiliate someone.
Writing remarks under someone else’s post, which others can also see.
Linking someone’s profile to a status, or embarrassing photo or video.
Identifying someone with a photo and/or with a caption, which is meant humorous but aims to humiliate others.
Putting an image online of someone without their consent, or editing an image of someone. This includes nude images.
Negative comments to a group, where a name isn’t mentioned. However it is obvious to all who is being talked about. E.g., ‘You know whose dress is disgusting…’
Deliberately leaving someone out of an online group, or chat.
Revealing sensitive or personal information about someone online, without their consent.
Putting aggressive pressure on someone or intimidating them. Take a look at our key topic on online sexual harassment for more information on this particular area of harassment.
Pretending to be someone with a view to belittling or humiliating them.
Setting up, or contributing to, an abusive poll about someone.
What are the impacts?
If a child is being bullied online they can often feel scared, worried and overwhelmed by the situation. They might be embarrassed by what’s happening, angry, confused, and even feel physically unwell.
There are no conclusive signs which will tell you if your child is being bullied online. Whilst some children and young people might show obvious signs of worry or upset, these could relate to a range of issues, and other children might hide it altogether. However, look out for:
- Higher levels of emotion, such as anger
- Changes in mood
- Problems sleeping and eating
- Low self-esteem
- Self-harm
- Withdrawal from online activities
- Sudden changes in behaviour
- Bullying others
Top tips
Encourage your child to save the evidence and show you
They can do this by taking a screenshot of what has happened or by keeping the messages they have received.
Don’t deny access to technology
Although it can be very tempting to remove a device from a child if they are being bullied online, it may prevent your child from coming to you about online worries again. We have been told by pupils that the main reason they wouldn’t speak to their parents about cyberbullying is because they were worried their technology would be taken away from them.
Don’t reply
Most of the time a bully is looking for a reaction when they are being mean online. Tell your child not to reply. Instead, they should tell a trusted adult what has happened.
Use the tools available
Report, block and take a screenshot. You can report a person or profile, as well as content, e.g. a post, video or comment. This will then be flagged to the service who will review it against their terms and conditions.
Speak to the school
It is always worth having a conversation with your child’s school about their experience of cyberbullying. Schools can offer support and advice to you and your child. Consider contacting their class teacher, form tutor, Head of Year, or a pastoral lead.
Conversation starters
- What is the biggest challenge for young people your age online today?
- What is the difference between banter and bullying?
- How would you/your friends respond to cyberbullying?
- Do you think there is a difference between physical face-to-face bullying and online bullying?
- Is everything okay online? I’m here if you want to talk about anything.