Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. It can happen on websites, games and apps and via phones, tablets, computers or other devices.

Cyberbullying can include:

• sending or posting you mean messages, texts, emails or images
• posting comments or sending messages threatening to do something mean to you
• spreading rumours or lies about you online
• sharing embarrassing photos or videos of you
• creating and sharing fake images of you
• pretending to be you online by setting up fake profiles
• creating fake online profiles of others to trick you
• ignoring you or leaving you out online
• threatening to share something online that will hurt or embarrass you, or make you feel bad
• using technology to make you feel threatened, scared, sad or upset.

1. Stay calm – and don’t retaliate.

• Being cyberbullied can be really upsetting. Try not to panic and don’t retaliate as this can make things worse.
• If you really want to reply, take a break from the screen, go and talk it through with someone you trust, like a parent, and respond when you are calm.
• Remember: the goal of the person cyberbullying is to get a reaction from you, if you stay calm, they don’t get what they want.

2. Screenshot – collect evidence so you can report it

• Take screenshots of the cyberbullying
• If you notice that having the screenshots is upsetting you, or you keep looking at them, send a copy to someone you trust, like a parent, and then delete them from your device.

3. Report it

• Report the cyberbullying to the game or app it happened on. An adult (like a parent or teacher) can help you with this. The eSafety Guidehas reporting links for most social media services, apps, games and websites.
• If the game or app doesn’t help, you (or your parent or guardian) can report the bullying to the eSafety Commissioner. They can have the cyberbullying content taken down.

4. Stop contact: block the person

• No one has to keep seeing upsetting posts or comments. You can block or mute the person to stop them contacting you. Most games, apps and devices have a way to do this. The eSafety Guidehas links to help with this too.

5. Seek support

• Cyberbullying can make you feel really upset and alone, but there is help available.
• Get help from a trusted adult (like a parent or teacher) or contact Kids Helpline

Remember, the sooner you report the bullying and seek help, the sooner things can change and get better.