Now that you learned about what cyberbullying is and is not, let's make sure that we know what to do if we are being cyberbullied and how to prevent cyberbullying.
What to do if you are being cyberbullied?
Reflect and acknowledge how you feel. Being cyberbullied is hurtful.
Tell your parents and teachers. Remember that it is harder for the adults to be aware of cyberbullying because they can't see it.
With the help of an adult, report the incident on the platform it is occurring on. All platforms have some sort of policy agreement on harassment. You can also block the individual on the platform.
Remember to be respectful and kind. You can also ignore them. All of this will give them less power over you.
How to prevent cyberbullying?
If you see an incident online that is happening or is about to happen, do not participate in it. Report it to a trusted adult.
Remember that once you post something online, you cannot take it back. Think and reflect before you post anything.
Know that something you post or say online can be hurtful to others. We may be hurting someone's feelings without knowing it.
Acknowledge that anyone can be a cyberbully including you. This will encourage all of us to pause and reflect before we post anything online.
“How to deal with 'Haters'.” stopbullying.gov, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-deal-with-haters. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.