What to Do If You Experience Cyberbullying Online

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet, social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps to be mean to you. It might be nasty comments, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing pictures, or repeatedly targeting you online. The difference between regular bullying and cyberbullying is that it can happen 24/7 and lots of people might see it.

What You Should Do Right Away

If you experience cyberbullying, the first thing to remember is: it is not your fault. Here's what to do:

1. Stop, don't respond. Don't reply to mean messages, even to defend yourself. Bullies often want a reaction. Responding can make things worse.

2. Keep evidence. Take screenshots of the hurtful messages or posts. Don't delete them yet – you might need them to show adults what's happening.

3. Block or report the person. Most platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Discord have a block button or report feature. Use it. These tools help protect you and let the platform know about bad behaviour.

Tell a Trusted Adult

This is the most important step. Talk to a parent, carer, teacher, school counsellor, or another trusted adult. They can:

Help you report it to the platform or website. Contact the bully's parents or school if needed. Support you emotionally – cyberbullying can be really hurtful.

If you're worried about telling someone face-to-face, you can write it down or send them a message first.

Get Extra Help If You Need It

Organisations like Childline (0800 1111) and CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) are there to help young people being bullied online. They're free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Remember: you deserve to feel safe online, just like you do offline. Speaking up about cyberbullying is brave, not weak.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying happens when someone is mean to you on the internet. They might post unkind comments. They might share bad rumours. They might use social media or games to be horrible.

Regular bullying stops when you leave school. But cyberbullying can happen anytime, anywhere – even at home.

What Should You Do?

First: Don't reply to mean messages. Bullies want you to react. Replying makes it worse.

Second: Save the messages. Take screenshots. You might need to show them to grown-ups.

Third: Block or report them. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Discord all have buttons to block or report bullies. Use them.

Tell a Grown-Up You Trust

Tell your mum, dad, carer, or teacher. Do it straight away. They can help you. They can report it to the website. They can talk to the bully's parents. Most importantly: they can support you.

If it's hard to talk face-to-face, text them or write it down.

Get More Help

Childline is free. You can call 0800 1111 anytime. You can also text or chat online. They help young people being bullied.

You are not alone. Being cyberbullied is not your fault. Speaking up is brave.

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