Stand Up to Cyberbullying: Effective Strategies for Kids and Adults

The sound of your phone.

Excitement turns to dread. It's another notification.

This time, it's not a meme or a cat video. It's a mean message, a hurtful comment, an online attack.

You've been cyberbullied.

Welcome to the dark side of the internet, where people hide behind screens to be cruel. 

Its impact goes beyond the screen, causing real emotional pain and severe consequences for people of all ages.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying happens online or through digital devices like phones and computers. It involves sending or sharing hurtful, mean, or false information about someone. This can include sharing private details, pictures, or videos to embarrass or harm someone.

Unlike traditional bullying, which happens in person, cyberbullying can happen anytime and anywhere, making it constant and hard to escape.

Cyberbully Tactics and Threats

Cyberbullies use various methods to intimidate and harm others online. Recognizing these tactics can help combat cyberbullying effectively.

Harassment

This involves repeatedly sending offensive and insulting messages to the victim. These relentless attacks can leave the recipient feeling helpless and distressed. About 37% of young people aged 12 to 17 have experienced online bullying, with 30% facing it multiple times.

Denigration

Cyberbullies spread rumors, lies, or gossip to damage someone's reputation. This can lead to social isolation and a tarnished online and offline reputation. False information can spread quickly, making it hard for the victim to control their image.

Impersonation

Bullies pretend to be someone else, posting harmful material to ruin the victim's reputation or relationships. This might involve creating fake profiles or hacking into the victim's accounts. The false information can lead to broken relationships and trust issues.

Outing

This tactic involves sharing someone's secrets, embarrassing information, or images online without their consent. Such actions can cause severe emotional distress and humiliation for the victim.

Exclusion

The bully intentionally leaves someone out of an online group or activity to make them feel left out. This social ostracism can be especially painful for young people, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Cyberstalking

Involves obsessive monitoring and harassment of the victim. The stalker may track the victim's online activities, send threatening messages, and try to gather personal information to use against them. This can create a constant sense of fear and anxiety, affecting the victim's mental health and daily life.

The Impact of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on the victim, both emotionally and psychologically. It can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

In some cases, it can also have physical consequences, such as sleep disturbances and eating disorders.

The effects of cyberbullying are not limited to the victim. It can also damage the relationships of those involved, create a hostile online environment, and contribute to a culture of fear and intimidation.

Why is Cyberbullying So Harmful?

Cyberbullying is incredibly harmful and can have long-lasting effects on a person's life. A Pew Research Center survey from April 14 to May 4, 2022, found that nearly half of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 (46%) have experienced some form of cyberbullying. 

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Victims of cyberbullying often suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The constant online harassment can make them feel hopeless and worthless. 

Academic Impact

Cyberbullying affects students' ability to focus on their studies. The stress and anxiety from being bullied can lead to poor grades, skipping school, and even dropping out. 

Social Impact

Victims may withdraw from friends and family to avoid further bullying or embarrassment. This isolation can lead to loneliness and a loss of social support, making them feel even more alone and desperate.

Physical Impact

The stress from cyberbullying can cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping. 

In the worst situations, cyberbullying can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Some victims may feel that ending their life is the only way to escape the torment.

Protecting Yourself from Cyberbullying

First and foremost, privacy settings should be utilized on social media platforms. These settings allow you to control who can see your posts and personal information, limiting access to only trusted friends and family. This step is crucial because, according to a report by the Cyberbullying Research Center, 60% of teens who experience cyberbullying report being bullied by someone they know in person.

Before posting anything online, always think carefully. Once content is posted, it can be challenging to remove it entirely, as it can be shared and spread quickly by others. This is especially important since oversharing personal information, like your address, phone number, or school name, can make you more vulnerable to cyberbullying and other online threats. Keeping this information private reduces the risk of becoming a target.

If you encounter harassment or abusive behavior online, use most social media platforms' block and report features. Blocking the harasser can immediately stop further communication, and reporting the behavior to the platform can help ensure appropriate action against the offender. Many platforms take reports of cyberbullying seriously and have policies in place to address such behavior.

If you become a victim of cyberbullying, it's important to save evidence of the incidents. Keep records of abusive messages, emails, or posts, including screenshots. This evidence can be invaluable if you need to report the bullying to authorities or school officials. Documentation can help prove the extent of the harassment and support your case.

Talking to someone about your experiences is another vital step.

Cyberbullying can be incredibly isolating, but you don't have to face it alone. Confide in a trusted friend, family member, or counselor who can offer support and help you take the necessary steps to address the situation. Open communication can also help you feel less alone and more empowered to deal with the issue.

Help is Available for Cyberbullying

If you or someone you know is dealing with a cyberbully, here are some places you can turn to for help:

• StopBullying.gov: This government website offers information on how to prevent and deal with bullying.
• Cyberbullying Research Center: Provides research and resources for those affected by cyberbullying.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255.
• School Counselors and Administrators: Schools usually have policies to handle bullying.

Contact NewReputation: Expert Online Reputation Management

While cyberbullying can be a pervasive problem, there is hope.

At NewReputation, we understand the devastating impact of online negativity and cyberbullying. Our team of experts provides comprehensive online reputation management services to help individuals and businesses reclaim their online presence and rebuild their reputations.

If you are facing cyberbullying, NewReputation can help:

• Remove defamatory or harmful content from online platforms.
• Monitor your online presence and identify potential threats.
• Develop a strategy to rebuild your online reputation.
• Provide legal assistance and support if needed.

Don't let cyberbullying control your online narrative. Contact NewReputation today and take back your online identity.