Cyberbullying: Tips & Help
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through SMS, text, apps, social media, forums, or gaming platforms where people can view, participate in, or share content.
What Is Cyberbullying?
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.
Common Forms of Cyberbullying:
- Posting mean or hurtful comments, messages, or threats
- Spreading rumors or lies about someone
- Sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent
- Creating fake profiles to harass or impersonate someone
- Excluding someone deliberately from online groups
- Encouraging others to engage in harmful behavior online
Who Is Affected?
Cyberbullying can affect anyone at any age. While often associated with young people, adults—including seniors—can also be targets of online harassment, harassment in gaming communities, or targeted attacks on social media.
How to Recognize Cyberbullying
Signs Someone May Be Experiencing Cyberbullying:
- Avoiding devices or suddenly stopping use of social media
- Appearing nervous or anxious when receiving messages
- Being secretive about online activities
- Emotional distress after using devices
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite
What to Do If You Experience Cyberbullying
1. Do Not Respond or Retaliate
Responding can escalate the situation. The bully is looking for a reaction—don't give them one.
2. Document Everything
- Take screenshots of messages, posts, and profiles
- Note dates, times, and platforms
- Save any evidence before blocking the bully
3. Block the Bully
Use platform-specific tools to block or mute the person engaging in cyberbullying.
4. Report to the Platform
Most social media sites and apps have reporting mechanisms for harassment and abuse.
5. Tell Someone You Trust
- Talk to a family member, friend, teacher, or counselor
- For youth: tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult
- For seniors: reach out to family members or support organizations
6. Report to Authorities When Necessary
If cyberbullying involves threats of violence, sharing explicit images, stalking, or hate crimes, contact local law enforcement.
How to Help Someone Dealing with Cyberbullying
- Listen without judgment – Let them share their experience
- Validate their feelings – Acknowledge that cyberbullying is serious
- Help them document – Assist with taking screenshots and keeping records
- Guide them to resources – Share the resources below
- Support them in reporting – Help them report to platforms and authorities if needed
- Check in regularly – Ongoing support is crucial
Recommended Resources
For Everyone
StopBullying.gov – What Is Cyberbullying?
A clear overview of cyberbullying, how it happens, and who's affected.
StopBullying.gov – How to Report Cyberbullying
Practical step-by-step guidance on documenting, blocking, and reporting cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying Research Center
In-depth articles about cyberbullying definitions, statistics, and resources for all ages.
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) – Cyberbullying Prevention
Handouts and guides that educators, families, and individuals can use to spot and prevent cyberbullying.
Cybersmile Foundation
A nonprofit with global reach tackling cyberbullying and online abuse; resource-rich and adult-inclusive.
For Seniors & Older Adults
ConnectSafely – Senior's Guide to Online Safety
While not solely focused on cyberbullying, this is excellent for older adults who may be vulnerable online.
For Families & Caregivers
eSafety Commissioner (Australia) – How to Help Someone Deal with Cyberbullying
Useful for practical settings: adjusting privacy settings, supporting someone being targeted.
Downloadable Guides & Educational Materials
Prevention & Education Guides
How to Prevent Cyberbullying: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Youth (PDF)
Comprehensive PDF from StopBullying.gov explaining definitions, steps to take, and reporting tips. Free to share.
Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention: Strategies and Resources (PDF)
PDF of prevention strategies for schools and districts from SchoolSafety.gov.
Understanding the Roles of Parents and Caregivers (PDF)
Focuses on parents' role in bullying prevention from StopBullying.gov.
Cyberbullying: An Overview for Parents, Teachers and Students (PDF)
Quick one-sheet flyer summarizing cyberbullying. Great for handouts.
Cyber Bullying Handouts
Collection of free handouts for students, educators, and parents from Kentucky Center for School Safety.
For Youth & Schools
Cyberbullying Lesson Plan (Years 7-9) (PDF)
Lesson plan for younger teens from Kids Helpline Australia.
Cyberbullying Worksheets
Printable worksheets for students to understand and respond to cyberbullying.
Mental Health & Research
Safety Net: Cyberbullying's Impact on Young People's Mental Health (PDF)
Report on how cyberbullying affects mental health from YoungMinds UK.
Cyberbullying: Resources for Intervention and Prevention (PDF)
Research article with resource listings and intervention ideas from ERIC.
Online Health and Safety for Children & Youth: Best Practices (PDF)
Covers online risks including cyberbullying with prompts and best practices from SAMHSA.
Preventing Cyberbullying
For Individuals:
- Think before you post – Consider how your words might affect others
- Use privacy settings – Limit who can see your posts and contact you
- Be kind online – Treat others with respect
- Don't share personal information – Protect your privacy
- Report suspicious behavior – Help keep online spaces safe for everyone
For Parents & Caregivers:
- Have open conversations about online activities
- Set clear rules about device use and online behavior
- Monitor younger children's online activity appropriately
- Teach digital citizenship and empathy
- Be aware of the apps and platforms they use
For Seniors:
- Learn about privacy settings on social media and apps
- Be cautious about friend requests from unknown people
- Don't share personal or financial information online
- Recognize that age-related harassment is a form of cyberbullying
- Seek support from family or organizations if targeted
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Remember: You are not alone. Cyberbullying is never okay, and help is available. Whether you're a young person, an adult, or a senior, you deserve to feel safe online.