Cyberbullying

What is Cyberbullying about?

Cyberbullying includes posting, sending or sharing false, harmful or rude things about someone else. It can also include sharing personal information about someone causing humiliation. This is often on games and chats where people get to interact with others more.

What should you do?

If someone is writing inappropriate or rude language, then tells you not to tell a trusted adult, you know that you cannot trust them and they are being suspicious. If they are doing this, then either block them, or if it is very serious, then you will have to report them. Never accept to meet up with someone you do not know or someone who is being rude to you or another person.

Who does this affect?

Cyberbullying can affect anyone, no matter how old or young. Many people have been cyberbullied more than ever now that more games and messaging apps have been created. Cyberbullying statistics show that Instagram is the most common app of cyberbullying as people share personal information, which people might make fun of. Instagram is closely followed by Facebook and Snapchat.

What mental and physical effects can this have?

Cyberbullying can cause:

• Increased stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Acting out violently
• Low self-esteem

It can also result with long-lasting emotional effects, even if the bullying has ceased.

How can you stop it?

To prevent cyberbullying, you must click with caution and check whatever you are seeing. If you can tell that something is inappropriate or rude, then you must block them immediately. If it is very offensive, then leave the website and if you find something very upsetting, then talk to an adult about it.