In this digital age, we have much to be grateful for. We enjoy positive actions like instant communication with friends through social media and avail ourselves of the wealth of online resources for learning and for fun. We while away endless hours on multimedia entertainment with little fuss or cost.
But technology has also opened the doors for a whole host of negative behaviours and actions, making internet safety a major concern. These actions include spreading malware, compromising users' personal information, and cyberbullying. So let's talk about how to prevent cyberbullying and what you can do to help someone who's been bullied online.
What is Cyberbullying?
What is cyberbullying? Exactly what you might imagine it is: malicious acts or verbal abuse through technology. Cyberbullying happens through digital platforms, it isn’t just limited to social media. Practising social media safety is how to prevent cyberbullying but not the only way to. In fact, cyberbullying isn’t limited to cyberspace, sending hurtful, damaging texts via mobile phone is also cyberbullying.
The main forms of cyberbullying are sharing damaging content and posting hurtful messages or unsolicited photos/videos where victims are sure to see them. This online form of bullying can be especially cruel and scary for the victims since it can seem impossible to escape from. Unlike being bullied at school, for example, cyberbullying victims can feel trapped, since they also use technology.
To make things worse, a lot of cyberbullying can go unnoticed since a lot of interactions online and texts are private. Online anonymity is a troubling element of cyberbullying, giving the bully a free license to say and do whatever they want without fear of repercussions. If you know someone who is being cyberbullied, you can help.
Even if you haven’t experienced cyberbullying before, it’s useful to know how to act in case you have to deal with it one day.
Signs that Someone is being Cyberbullied
Before taking action, make sure the person you are concerned about is enduring cyberbullying. Keep an eye out for the following clues and you might be able to spot cyberbullying before it’s too late. These signs aren’t definitive but if you notice a few of them in your friend or loved one, you shouldn’t rule cyberbullying out.
The Dominance of Negative Emotions
If your normally sunny teen or friend suddenly starts displaying an array of negative emotions, they could be experiencing cyberbullying These can include anxiety, fear, stress, embarrassment, or shame. Many people show these emotions at one point or another but if they seem to manifest often, something might be up.
The person in question might feel these strong negative emotions always after using technology. That could be a telltale sign of cyberbullying. If their post-smartphone behaviour is contrary to their normal disposition, you would be right to suspect something might be up.
Physical Symptoms
Along with the aforementioned negative emotions, you might also observe physical symptoms such as nausea, or frequent headaches. They might also show signs of being especially tired, which could possibly be a result of excessive worrying over cyberbullying. A loss of appetite and a sudden neglect of their personal hygiene count, too.
Behavioural Changes
Someone who is being cyberbullied might mention wanting to run away or express great discomfort each day. If the person in question is a student at a school, cyberbullying can make them want to stay away from school. Socially, the person might withdraw into themselves, rejecting the opportunity to talk to people or hang out with friends.
They might also stop doing things that they previously loved, such as their favourite hobby. Focus can be affected, leaving the person restless in class, possibly ruminating over exchanges they’ve recently had online or through text.
A Change in Online Habits
The last type of sign is a change in online habits. The person you suspect is being cyberbullied might seem to check their phone or tablet every few seconds. Or they might stop using the device all of a sudden.
Phone safety is an important step for how to prevent cyberbullying so make sure you’re informed of the risks. Reluctance to talk about online activity or deleting a social media profile can also be signs. There is something the person doesn’t want you or others to know about.
How to Prevent Cyber Bullying
Practising phone safety, internet safety and social media safety are the best ways to prevent cyberbullying. But there's only so much you can do because you can't control how other people act. If someone you know is being cyberbullied, you can take action to help them.
Be There for Them
Just like with regular bullying, comfort and feeling safe are critical for the victim. As such, you should do your best to create a safe environment, one where they feel safe expressing themselves. Become a source of positive energy so you can help shift their focus away from the negativity they're suffering from cyberbullying. Give them room to talk when they're ready.
You’ll likely not be able to convince them that the bullying doesn’t matter or is insignificant. Sometimes, the best you can do is to be the light in their lives and give them comfort and hope. Ask the person being cyberbullied if they want or need help dealing with it. By offering your support they will feel less alone. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.
Talk to them about changing their social media privacy settings and securing their personal information. And then, suggest that they block or delete the bully. If all that doesn’t work and the bullying persists, should consider taking further action.
Report it
Sometimes, it seems at times like the internet is an ungoverned place but authorities can help deal with cyberbullying. If you decide to report the bully, you’ll work with your friend to gather evidence of the bullying. From text messages to photos, all you need is screenshots of the interactions. Then, the authorities have something concrete to go on.
Once you have this evidence, depending on the platform, you should be able to report it to the appropriate authority. For example, forums will have administrators who can remove users. Social media platforms have ‘report’ functions, too. If the cyberbullying involves another student at the victim’s school, take it up with school officials.
If you believe cyberbullying could result in physical danger, take it up with the police immediately. Cyberbullying victims often feel ashamed and kids may not want all the attention. Whether it's your child or your students, you should insist on reporting the threatening behaviour so they don't come to harm.
Use Online Resources
In Australia, each territory/state has a website you can turn to for help with cyberbullying. Some provide a helpline that victims can call whenever they need to.
Nationally, Reachout is an excellent source of in-depth information on everything concerning cyberbullying. The website covers common cyberbullying tactics and how to prevent cyber bullying. Their webpage also has a guide for dealing with haters and internet trolls.
The eSafety website is designed to help students and parents deal with cyberbullying. The website has a ‘report abuse’ feature, a helpline, and an e-mail contact, in case the person being bullied prefers to stay anonymous.
Consult these websites before taking action since they can give you solid advice on how to proceed depending on the issue.
Cyber Bullying: What Not To Do
So far, we’ve covered what you can do to help your friends, children or students being cyberbullied. Now, let’s look at what not to do. You can also take a look at our guide on how to stay safe online to get a better idea of how to deal with issues like this one.
Ignore it
It’s uncomfortable to get involved sometimes; many people freeze when something unsavoury is going on. That's called the bystander effect but in bullying situations, staying quiet is one of the worst things you can do.
Failing to speak up against bullying or saying something to support your friend sends a bad message. Victims may take your silence as you approving of the bullying, which will make them feel worse. Even reaching out to them to say that what just happened was not ok can make a world of difference.
Delay Responding
The longer you wait to address a case of cyberbullying, the more likely it is that it will get worse for the person being bullied. The last thing you want is for your kids to come to any harm. Take a stand and stick up for victims, even if you feel it isn’t your place to do so. Bullying can have an adverse effect that can stick with victims throughout life. Or worse, being bullied could have terrible consequences.
Turn into a Joke
Humour can help break up tension at times but bullying is a serious issue and it should be treated as such. You might have good intentions as you make light of the bullying to the person being bullied. They might not see your good intent; they may feel even less inclined to talk with you if they feel you're mocking them.
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