UNDERSTANDING CYBERBULLYING

 Understanding cyberbullying




What Is Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

1. Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
2. Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
3. Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
4. Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
5. Email
6. Online gaming communities and many more
For more information click HERE 

What are the signs of cyberbullying?

Emotional Withdrawal

One of the primary indicators of cyberbullying is a sudden emotional withdrawal or change in behavior. If your usually sociable and communicative child becomes more isolated, moody, or avoids discussing their online activities, it may be a cause for concern. They may also exhibit signs of anxiety or depression, such as frequent sadness, irritability, or unexplained outbursts of anger.

Reluctance to Use Electronic Devices If your child shows a noticeable reluctance to use their electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, or tablets, it could be a sign that they are experiencing cyberbullying. If your avid gamer who normally plays 8 hours a day, drastically decreases their gaming time out of the blue, it could be cause for concern. Since cyberbullying often occurs online, victims may try to distance themselves from the source of their pain by avoiding electronic devices altogether. Use ProtectMe by Kidas to monitor your child’s gaming time.

Changes in Sleep and Eating Patterns

Cyberbullying can be emotionally overwhelming for tweens and teens, leading to disruptions in their sleep and eating patterns. Look for signs of insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, loss of appetite, or sudden weight changes. If you notice such changes, it’s essential to initiate open and supportive conversations with your child to uncover the possible reasons behind their altered behaviors.


Decline in Academic Performance

A once academically motivated child suddenly performing poorly at school could be facing cyberbullying issues. The emotional toll of online harassment may lead to decreased focus, concentration, and engagement in schoolwork. Teachers and parents should be attentive to any significant changes in academic performance and communicate with the child to offer assistance and support.


Hesitation to Attend School or Social Gatherings

Fear of encountering cyberbullies can lead to a reluctance to attend school or participate in social events. If your child seems anxious or avoids going to school or other places they previously enjoyed, it may indicate that they are experiencing online harassment. Talk to your child about their feelings and offer encouragement to help them overcome their anxieties.


Unexplained Withdrawal from Online Accounts

If your child unexpectedly deletes or changes their social media accounts or gaming accounts or avoids logging in altogether, it could be a sign of cyberbullying. Victims of online harassment may try to escape the negativity by distancing themselves from their virtual identities. However, sudden and unexplained changes in online behavior can also be a warning sign, so it’s important to communicate openly with your child about their online experiences.

Secretive Online Behavior

Children who are victims of cyberbullying may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their experiences, leading them to hide their online activities. If you notice your child becoming overly secretive about their online conversations, password-protecting their devices, or quickly switching screens when you approach, it may indicate they are trying to protect themselves from potential humiliation or harm.

Uncharacteristic Aggression or Bullying Behavior

Sometimes, victims of cyberbullying may internalize their pain and lash out at others in an attempt to regain control. If you notice your child displaying aggressive or bullying behavior, it could be a sign that they are experiencing online harassment themselves. For more info click HERE

Different Forms of Cyberbullying



  1. Flaming: Hostile and aggressive messages are exchanged, often in public forums or comment sections. These exchanges are typically heated and intended to provoke an emotional reaction from the victim.

  2. Impersonation: This involves pretending to be someone else online, often to damage the victim's reputation or relationships. Impersonators may post false information or inappropriate content under the victim’s identity, leading to confusion and harm.

  3. Harassment: Repeated, targeted attacks aimed at intimidating or humiliating someone. Harassment may take place over messages, social media posts, or emails and is often relentless and distressing for the victim.

  4. Outing: Publicly sharing private or sensitive information about someone without their consent. This can include personal photos, conversations, or embarrassing details, resulting in public shame and loss of privacy.

  5. Exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out of online groups or social events, sometimes after public invitations to others, to make the victim feel isolated.

  6. Cyberstalking: More severe and threatening form of harassment that can involve following a victim's online presence obsessively, threatening, or attempting to control their activities.

  7. Doxxing: Publishing private information, such as home addresses or phone numbers, to encourage real-world harassment.

Impact of Cyberbullying

The effects of cyberbullying are profound and can have serious short-term and long-term impacts, especially on young individuals and those with less support.

Emotional and Psychological Effects on Victims

  1. Anxiety and Depression: Victims often experience heightened levels of stress and may develop anxiety or depression as a result of persistent bullying. The feeling of helplessness, fear, and dread can severely impact daily functioning.

  2. Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Cyberbullying often targets personal aspects of an individual’s identity, such as appearance, intelligence, or social status. Over time, this can erode the victim's self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

  3. Isolation and Loneliness: Victims may withdraw from friends, family, and social situations out of shame or fear, resulting in isolation. Online exclusion, a form of cyberbullying, exacerbates feelings of loneliness.

  4. Anger and Frustration: The sense of powerlessness in being able to stop or confront cyberbullies often leads to anger and frustration, as digital harassment can be difficult to control or prevent.

  5. Trauma and PTSD: For some, especially in severe cases of cyberbullying, the experience can lead to lasting trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the abuse.

  6. Academic and Career Impacts: Cyberbullying can lead to declines in academic or work performance. Many victims find it difficult to concentrate, study, or work effectively due to the mental and emotional toll.

  7. Increased Risk of Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: Unfortunately, some individuals, particularly teenagers, may feel so overwhelmed by cyberbullying that they consider self-harm or suicide.

Coping and Prevention Strategies

The prevention of cyberbullying is a collective responsibility. Schools, workplaces, online platforms, parents, and peers all play roles in creating safe digital spaces and providing support for those affected. For victims, seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be crucial, and learning strategies for managing stress and building resilience can help reduce the emotional impact.


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