What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place
on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is
repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted.
Examples include:

● spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos of someone on social media

● sending hurtful messages or threats via messaging platforms
● impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf.

Cyberbullying is hardly an accident, it happens repeatedly, when an individual

group use technology to harm another person or group. Cyberbullies send hurtful texts
or abusive emails, exclude classmates from online conversations, imitate someone
online, post inappropriate images or troll other people.
Any type of bullying can have physical and psychological effects on a child.
Anxiety, fear, depression, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and academic struggles
are just of the few challenges kids may experience if they are targets. Cyberbullying,
however, may be particularly damaging. There are several possible reasons for this.
For example, unlike traditional bullying—which is often limited to school and known
bullies—cyberbullying can occur at any time, day or night, and be perpetrated by
anonymous sources. This makes it more relentless and, often, more cruel. Even the
type of victimization may impact the severity of its consequences. For instance, one
study found that online pictures and posts were more damaging than harassment
received through text messaging or phone calls. While cyberbullying can happen in a
public digital space, like on social media post, it can also take the form of private
messages—leaving some kids managing this secret, and its effect on them, alone.
Being aware of all of the effects of cyberbullying cannot only help you support a child
you know is affected, but help you become more aware of signs that may be reason for
concern—and a conversation.
Respect online is just as important as in face-to-face interaction, so it is important
to teach younger internet users how to act responsibly online and show them ways to
deal with cyberbullying behaviour and ways to prevent it. It is also crucial to
demonstrate how others can be affected by their interactions online and what language
and actions are considered appropriate in the online environment.