Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens. Whether you’ve been a victim of cyberbullying, know someone who has been cyberbullied, or have even cyberbullied yourself, there are steps you can take to stop cyberbullying and stay cyber-safe.

How Are Teens Cyberbullied?

Being a victim of cyberbullying can be a common and painful experience. Some youth who cyberbully

• Pretend they are other people online to trick others

• Spread lies and rumors about victims

• Trick people into revealing personal information

• Send or forward mean text messages

• Post pictures of victims without their consent

When asked why they think others cyberbully, many teens said that cyberbullies is funny. Others believe that youth who cyberbully:

• Don’t think it’s a big deal

• Don’t think about the consequences

• Are encouraged by friends

• Think everybody cyberbullies

• Think they won’t get caught

How Do Victims React?

Cyberbullying is a big deal, and can cause a variety of reactions in teens. Some teens have reacted in positive ways to try to prevent cyberbullying by

• Blocking communication with the cyberbully

• Deleting messages without reading them

• Talking to a friend about the bullying

• Reporting the problem to an Internet service provider or website moderator

Youth who are cyberbullied report feeling angry, hurt, embarrassed, or scared. These emotions can cause victims to react in ways such as

• Seeking revenge on the bully

• Avoiding friends and activities

• Cyberbullying back

Some teens feel threatened because they may not know who is cyberbullying them. Although cyberbullies may think they are anonymous, they can be found. If you are cyberbullied or harassed and need help, save all communication with the cyberbully and talk to a parent, teacher, law enforcement officer, or other adult you trust.

How Can I Prevent Cyberbullying?

Teens have figured out ways to prevent cyberbullying. Follow in the footsteps of other quick-thinking teens and

• Refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages

• Tell friends to stop cyberbullying

• Block communication with cyberbullies

• Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult

You can also help prevent cyberbullying by

• Speaking with other students, as well as teachers and school administrators, to develop rules against cyberbullying

• Raising awareness of the cyberbullying problem in your community by holding an assembly and creating

 fliers to give to younger kids or parents

• Sharing NCPC’s anti-cyberbullying message with friends

Don’t forget that even though you can’t see a cyberbully or the bully’s victim, cyberbullying causes real problems. If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. Delete cyberbullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it.

For More Information

Check out the following resources to learn more about preventing cyberbullying:

• cyberbullying.org
  Cyberbullying research, stories, cases, downloads, fact sheets, tips and strategies, news headlines, a blog, and a number of other helpful resources on their comprehensive public service website.

• stopcyberbullying.org
  Fun quiz to rate your online behavior, information about why some people cyberbully, and how to stop yourself from cyberbullying.