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 or videos of someone on social media
- sending hurtful, abusive, or threatening messages, images, or videos via messaging platforms impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf or through fake accounts. Face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can of ten happen alongside each other. But cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint–are cord that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the abuse.
What are the effects of cyberbullying?
When bullying happens online it can feel as if you’re being attacked everywhere, even inside your own home. It can seem like there’s no escape. The effects can last a long time and affect a person in many ways:
- Mentally–feeling upset, embarrassed, stupid, even afraid or angry.
- Emotionally–feeling ashamed or losing interest in the things you love.
- Physically–tired(loss of sleep), or experiencing symptoms like stomach aches and headaches. The feeling of being laughed at or harassed by others can prevent people from speaking up or trying to deal with the problem. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can even lead to people taking their own lives. Cyberbullying can affect us in many ways. But these can be overcome and people can regain their confidence and health.
