Cyberbullying: 6 Ways to Stay Safe Online
Cyberbullying is common and can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. Learn how to keep yourself and others safe online with these top six tips!
The internet has revolutionised the way we receive and share information, and helps us stay connected to those closest to us. However, there is also a dark side to this seemingly limitless resource – we can be vulnerable to abuse, often referred to as “cyberbullying”.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying refers to bullying and abuse that takes place using digital devices across online platforms. It is particularly associated with social media, chat rooms, and online gaming.
This bullying typically involves individuals sharing hurtful or mean content directed at another person. This could be aimed at someone the bully knows or a complete stranger, who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or someone who simply holds a different point of view.
Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a widespread problem and is likely to affect each of us either directly or indirectly during our lifetimes. It’s particularly common among young people but can have devastating effects on the mental health of all age groups.
- One study in the UK found that 1 in 5 children experienced online bullying in a single year.
- This is supported by further research which found that nearly half of children (47%) had received abusive messages online.
- Adults, too, experience cyberbullying. A study in the US, found that 44% of adults had experienced online harassment.
There is increasing pressure on social media platforms and other online forums to better tackle cyberbullying. But, the statistics clearly show that this is a very real problem and something we must be alert to, in order to keep ourselves and others safe.
Do you receive mean messages from someone on social media? If it happens repeatedly and causes you harm, it’s probably cyberbullying.
How can we stay safe online?
At Mind Ease, we are passionate about promoting wellbeing, both offline and online. Here are six ways you can stay safe while using the internet:
1. Never respond or retaliate to abusive messages. This can escalate the situation and cause even more distress. Often individuals sending hateful remarks are trying to elicit a response and by replying you may actually receive even more hurtful comments.
2. Block and/or delete from your social media or phone address book anyone who bullies you. Cutting the communication lines of abuse can stop it in its tracks. In situations where you know the bully offline, this step may need to be done cautiously, perhaps after the issue has been raised at school or college.
3. Report the behaviour to the social media platform or website. If the bully is someone at school or college, also consider alerting teachers or tutors. Most social media platforms have specific processes in place for managing abuse. By following these processes, it is more likely action will be taken.
4. Don’t post personal information online and be cautious of posting photographs of yourself, especially if you’ve already received some abusive comments. Bullies tend to use information about us to create more hurtful content.
5. Always speak up to your friends and family. Suffering alone can make us feel isolated and even more down about an already difficult situation. Talking about it with those close to you can help you tackle the issue more effectively. If you don’t feel able to speak to someone you know, there are also anonymous helplines (see below).
6. Document and record evidence of abuse, especially if it’s repeated behaviour. This could include taking screenshots of messages or saving emails. This may even allow action by law enforcement, as some types of cyberbullying may constitute a crime e.g. bullying due to race, gender or sexual identity.
What do I do if I’m being bullied?
If you’re experiencing cyberbullying, or bullying of any kind, the time to act is now. Take the steps suggested above and remember, you’re not alone.
Your wellbeing and safety is of utmost importance. If you feel that you’re in imminent danger you should contact the emergency services.
Depending on where you are, there are many support services that are specifically designed to support individuals experiencing cyberbullying. In the UK, a lot of useful information can be found at the national bullying helpline, which includes a range of support options. Another valuable resource, available in the US and other countries, is the Cybersmile Foundation, which can help direct you to support near you. Alternatively you can search “cyberbullying + your country” to find further information.
The most important thing is to speak up and raise the issue.
It is important to recognise the impact bullying might be having on your mental health. Hurtful and abusive messages can make us feel anxious and depressed. It can be valuable to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional who can help you manage any difficult feelings. You may also find the exercises and activities at Mind Ease helpful in tackling anxiety and low mood.
Reaching out to your friends and family can also be valuable. This can be a difficult thing to do but is often worth it!
What do I do if I witness someone I know being bullied online?
It’s easy to feel helpless when you witness online bullying. However, there are quite a few things you can do to help someone who is being bullied. Let them know that you’re there for them if they want to talk about it. Just by feeling listened to and understood, it can often help someone feel better. You can also help them get the support they need if they’re unsure about where to go. This might involve sharing valuable resources like the ones above, or offering to accompany them when they report the bullying to their teacher.
It’s also important to be aware of how their experience might be impacting their mental health. It may be valuable to understand how to better identify anxiety in children which can be a sign that something is going on.
We live in a world where we’re more connected than ever before. In some ways the internet and social media create an illusion of separation and dehumanisation which likely contributes to cyberbullying. If we can use these platforms to spread compassion and kindness, each of us can help put an end to online bullying.
You can find many resources for helping with feelings of anxiety and low mood in the Mind Ease app today.
