Cyberbullying is a type of bullying. It happens on social media, online forums, text and email.
Examples of cyberbullying include:
- abusive or nasty messages on social media
- hurtful comments on videos or posts
- spreading rumours online
- hacking into your online accounts
- posting offensive or private images and videos
- excluding children from online games, activities or friendship groups
- setting up hate groups about a particular child
- using generative AI tools to make fake images or videos of someone
Cyberbullying can happen to anyone. People can create fake or anonymous profiles and make hurtful comments on your posts.
They can also create a profile pretending to be you and use it to send messages to other people.
You can also be bullied by someone you know.
Online bullying is serious. Many laws have been introduced to protect people.
Cyberbullying and the law - irishstatutebook.ie
How to avoid cyberbullying
There are things you can do to avoid cyberbullying.
Never give out your passwords
Always keep your passwords and PINs to yourself. If you use a public computer, log out of your email and social media accounts. Use strong passwords for your phone.
Pick your online friends carefully
Whatever you post online can be seen by everyone who has access to your page or the discussion board.
Make sure you really want to share the information. Even if you have a private account, anything you post is considered public.
What to do if private photos end up online
Be polite
Be polite to other people online. Think about what you're saying. Ask yourself if it might be hurtful or embarrass them in public, even if you find it funny.
Do not send a message when you are angry
Wait until you have calmed down and had time to think.
The internet does not forget
Posts and messages can never be permanently deleted.
Many platforms suggest posts are temporary (for example, Snapchat). But people can easily screen shot, take a photo or record a video of a post.
There are other ways to retrieve (get back) social media posts.
How to deal with cyberbullying
Here are some tips for dealing with cyberbullying.
Do not reply
Do not rise to the bait and reply to messages from someone who's bullying you. They want to know that they've got you worried and upset. If you never reply, they will probably get bored and leave you alone.
What to do if you're being bullied
Report or block someone
You can block people from phoning or sending messages. You can also report them. Find out how to report or block people in the help section or frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of a website or app.
Go offline
If you feel like social media is becoming too much, switch off. Think about how much time and energy you spend on social media and if you need to keep your account.
Inform your phone company or Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Contact your phone company, internet service provider or social media company. They can block texts, calls or online messages from certain people.
Change your contact details
Get a new username, a new email address and a new mobile number. Only give them to your closest friends.
Tell someone
If cyberbullying is bothering you, do not keep it to yourself. Talk to someone about it.
Talking to other people about your problems
Tell the Gardaí
If the messages are extremely offensive and intending to cause harm, tell the Gardaí. It's against the law to threaten people and the Gardaí can put a stop to it. They are there to keep you safe.
Keep a record
You do not have to read the messages, but keep them and keep a record of the time and date. This can act as evidence if you ever need it. It can also help the Gardaí or your ISP find out where the messages are coming from.
If your child is bullied online
If your child is being bullied, they may:
- feel alone and confused
- become secretive or protective about their day or digital life
- show changes in their personality, such as becoming angry, upset or quiet
- avoid using their computer or phone, or become nervous or jumpy when receiving instant messages, texts or emails
How you can help
If you suspect your child is being bullied online:
Reassure your child it’s not their fault
Tell them they do not deserve to be treated that way.
Explain cyberbullying in simple words
Ask if anything like that has happened to them. Keep calm and listen carefully to what they say.
Show them how they can block cyberbullies
Show them how to block anyone who posts hateful or abusive things about them on the apps or online services they use. Details of how to do this are usually in the help or online safety area, under 'Settings'.
Keep evidence of the bullying
This could be text messages, a record of incidents, or screenshots if the bullying is happening online.
Arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher
Explain what has been happening to your child's teacher. All schools have a responsibility to protect their pupils from bullying, whether the bullying is happening on the premises, outside or on the internet.
Agree what action they will take and when. Agree when you will speak to them again to see what progress has been made.