Online Hate Is Real! What Is Cyberbullying & How To Fight Back

Cyberbullying, or the utilization of electronic communication to intimidate an individual, has become a more common phenomenon in the current digital age. As technology becomes more deeply embedded in our lives, so too does the possibility of harassment on the Internet and it is essential to learn about the nature of cyberbullying and its wide-ranging implications.

We can protect ourselves and others against cyberbullying and privacy breaches by taking proactive action. This article will look at the forms of cyberbullying, the effects of cyberbullying, the laws surrounding cyberbullying and practical tools and methods to prevent it and maintain online privacy.

Cyberbullying 101: Spot It, Stop It And Stay Safe Online

➤ Cyberbullying Unmasked: What You Need To Know

➤ Cyberbullying vs Traditional Bullying: The Digital Divide

➤ The Aftermath: How Cyberbullying Hits Hard

➤ Cyberbullying & The Law: What’s The Risk?

➤ Smart Moves To Shut Down Cyberbullies

➤ Bounced By A Cyberbully? Here’s Your Comeback Plan

➤ Stay Private, Stay Safe: Guarding Your Digital Life

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying conducted via electronic means. It’s different from other bullying, although the two may overlap in many cases. It is important to know its subtleties, pervasiveness and types so that it may be prevented and intervened against.

Cyberbullying Definition

Cyberbullying is the intentional use of electronic communication tools like cell phones, computers and social media sites to repeatedly harm another individual. It is the sending, posting or sharing of hurtful, negative, false or mean messages about someone else.

It may include the sharing of someone else’s personal or private information with the purpose of embarrassing or humiliating them.

What Is The Difference Between Cyberbullying And Bullying?

Although traditional bullying often happens in face-to-face locations such as schools, cyberbullying reaches across those borders, intruding into the victim’s virtual lives and often their personal lives.

There are also some overlaps. Both types have a power imbalance, intentional harm and usually repeated behaviour. The impact on the victim can be just as destructive.

When Did Cyberbullying Begin? 

Cyberbullying began with the advent of the internet and mobile technology. While bullying in the traditional sense has been around for centuries, the age of the internet has created new opportunities for harassment.

The growing availability of computers and mobile phones in the late 1990s and early 2000s signalled the start of mass cyberbullying. As social media sites grew in popularity, cyberbullying picked up in frequency.

Cyberbullying Statistics

Cyberbullying is a serious issue globally. Figures differ based on the country and age group, but research universally indicates a high percentage of youths are victims of cyberbullying.

It’s important to refer to current sources such as surveys conducted by organizations that specialize in online safety to obtain the latest statistics. These figures usually point out the incidence of cyberbullying among adolescents, how it affects mental health and the most used platforms where this takes place.

What Percentage of Teens are Victims of Cyberbullying?

Teens are especially at risk for cyberbullying because they use so much digital communication and social media. Research indicates a large percentage of deaths caused by cyberbullying, sometimes between 20% and more than 50%, according to the study and definition that have been victims of some type of cyberbullying.

These statistics emphasize the importance of specific prevention and intervention efforts for this group.

Cyberbullying Facts

There are several facts about cyberbullying  that illustrate its gravity:

→ Cyberbullying may result in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts

→ Cyberbullying victims are likely to be absent from school and face academic problems

→ Cyberbullying can have a negative impact on bystanders, who may feel fearful or guilty

→ Cyberbullying perpetrators may also suffer from the consequences, such as punishment or legal penalties

Types Of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying occurs in a variety of forms:

→ Harassment: Sending threatening or offensive messages

→ Flaming: Fighting online with electronic communication using angry and obscene language

→ Exclusion: Excluding someone on purpose from an online group or activity

→ Outing: Posting someone’s secrets or humiliating information online without permission

→ Cyberstalking: Harassing or intimidating someone repeatedly online

→ Doxing: Posting someone’s private information online with malicious intent

→ Masquerading: Making a false identity to harass someone

Examples Of Cyberbullying

→ Harassment: A student is bombarded with repeated insulting text messages

→ Flaming: Two students have a heated argument on a social network site, using profanity

→ Exclusion: A group of friends forms a chat group but purposefully excludes one individual

→ Outing: Someone makes embarrassing pictures of another individual available on the internet without their knowledge

→ Cyberstalking: A person sends threatening messages and monitors an individual’s internet usage

→ Social Media Cyberbullying: Social media sites are fertile ground for cyberbullying because they are used extensively and are interactive in nature

The anonymity that some platforms provide, the ease of posting content rapidly and the pervasive connectedness all contribute to the issue. Social media cyberbullying may involve the posting of rumours, hateful comments, the creation of false profiles and harmful pictures or videos.

The public platform of social media makes it possible for the victim’s humiliation to be broadcast larger and wider, making it impossible to flee the harassment.

The Effects Of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying’s effects go far beyond the screen, leaving profound and lasting scars on victims, their families and communities.

The ubiquity of online harassment, combined with its potential for anonymity and broad reach, makes for a particularly poisonous environment for those targeted.

Effects of Cyberbullying

The psychological, emotional and social impacts of cyberbullying can be devastating. Victims tend to experience:

→ Emotional Distress: Sadness, anger, fear, shame, humiliation and powerlessness are typical. The relentless barrage of online abuse can undermine self-esteem and make one feel isolated

→ Psychological Problems: Cyberbullying can lead to or worsen mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-injury. The ongoing stress and fear can impair daily functioning

→ Social Issues: The victims can retreat to social interactions, become distrustful of others and find it difficult to engage in healthy relationships. Cyberbullying also negatively impacts their educational performance and encourages school avoidance

→ Physical Effects: Some victims experience physical effects that include headaches, stomach aches, sleep patterns and changes in appetite. The stress and anxiety related to cyberbullying can cause its physical effects to impact their general health

Negative Impacts of Cyberbullying

The negative impacts of cyberbullying can be broad and long-standing:

→ Reduced Self-Esteem: The continuous criticism and humiliation can terribly harm a victim’s self-worth, fostering feelings of ineptness and worthlessness  

→ Greater Possibility of Depression and Anxiety: The ongoing anguish and emotional torment induced by cyberbullying have the potential to heighten the possibility of forming or exacerbating mental health ailments

→ Academic Issues: Cyberbullying can disrupt a student’s concentration on schoolwork, resulting in falling grades, more absences and even dropping out

→ Social Isolation: Victims can become isolated from friends and family, resulting in loneliness and isolation

→ Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation: In the most tragic cases, cyberbullying can contribute to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The constant harassment and feelings of hopelessness can become overwhelming

Impact of Cyberbullying on Community

The effect of cyberbullying goes beyond the individual victim. It can have a negative effect on families, schools and communities. Families can be stressed and in conflict as they attempt to support a child who is being cyberbullied.

Schools can find it difficult to respond to instances of cyberbullying that take place outside of school time. Communities can be affected by a culture of fear and suspicion.

Cyberbullying Suicidal Suicide Statistics

The connection between suicide and cyberbullying is a serious issue.  While care must be taken not to oversimplify the multitude of factors leading to suicide, studies indicate that cyberbullying can be an added factor, especially for individuals who are already experiencing mental illness.

Seeking help for individuals who are experiencing cyberbullying or suicidal thoughts is important.

How Many Suicidal Fatalities Are Attributed to Cyberbullying? 

It is hard to pinpoint the number of suicides attributed to cyberbullying since suicide is usually caused by more than one factor. Research has demonstrated a link between victimization due to cyberbullying and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Every single case in which cyberbullying acts as a contributing reason for suicide is one too many. A number of reports and studies have identified instances where cyberbullying was a causative factor in suicide. For instance:

→ Megan Meier’s Case (2006): Megan, a 13-year-old girl, committed suicide after she was cyberbullied on MySpace. Her case received a lot of attention regarding the issue of cyberbullying and its possible outcomes

→ Amanda Todd’s Case (2012): Amanda, aged 15, was a Canadian teenager who committed suicide after being subjected to extensive cyberbullying and online harassment. She had posted a video on YouTube explaining her ordeal earlier

→ Tyler Clementi’s Case (2010): Tyler, a college student at 18, committed suicide after his roommate streamed him secretly in an intimate situation with another man. The case reflected the extreme effects of cyberbullying and privacy intrusion

Although these instances are well-documented, suicide in most cases is the culmination of several factors that include mental disorders, personal circumstances, and external stressors. Cyberbullying may intensify these factors but is not generally the primary reason.

Statistics and Research

It was discovered through a study in JAMA Pediatrics (2014) that the victims of cyberbullying tended to report more suicidal thoughts and attempts than the non-bullied.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that suicide is the second most common cause of death in people aged 10-34 in the United States and bullying (cyberbullying) is an established risk factor.

How Many Deaths Result from Cyberbullying Each Year? 

While it’s difficult to estimate the number of deaths that directly result from cyberbullying each year, the overall effect of cyberbullying-related deaths is real. This not only encompasses suicides but also fatalities that could ensue due to the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted by cyberbullying, including fatalities due to substance abuse or dangerous activities. Loss of any life caused by cyberbullying is a terrible loss.

Cyberbullying Suicidal Deaths Statistics

A study published in BMC Public Health in 2017 determined that those who are cyberbullied are twice as likely to try suicide as those who are not. Though this is not a specific number of fatalities, it does show a high degree of risk.

The WHO estimates that more than 700,000 people kill themselves worldwide every year, and some of those can be attributed to cyberbullying as a causative factor.

Legal And Ethical Issues Of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying finds itself in a murky legal and ethical situation. While there is often a desire to be harmful, the legal consequences may be vague, with tremendous differences depending on jurisdiction.

The legal status of cyberbullying, how to combat it and the ethical issues to consider are addressed in this section.

Is Cyberbullying Illegal?

The law on cyberbullying is intricate and varies by location. In some places, there are specific laws against it, while in others, it’s addressed under harassment, defamation or stalking laws. Cyberbullying itself isn’t always explicitly illegal, but certain actions within it can be.

For example, violent threats, harassing behaviour that creates a hostile environment or sharing child pornography are often illegal, whether online or offline. Cyberbullying can become a criminal offence when it involves:

→ Harassment: Repeated, unwanted communication causing fear or distress

→ Stalking: Ongoing intimidation or harassment that threatens someone’s safety

→ Defamation: Spreading false and damaging statements

→ Threats: Direct threats of bodily harm

→ Hate Crimes: Targeting someone based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or other protected traits

→ Distribution of Intimate Images/Child Pornography: Sharing explicit content without consent

When cyberbullying includes these elements, it can be prosecuted under criminal law.

Laws Against Cyberbullying

There are certain laws that have been passed in various jurisdictions specifically to combat cyberbullying. These kinds of laws usually seek to:

→ Define cyberbullying: Establish a precise definition of what constitutes cyberbullying

→ Hold schools accountable: Mandate that schools develop policies and procedures regarding cyber bullying

→ Protect victims: Provide legal remedies for victims of cyberbullying

→ Hold the bullies accountable: Enact penalties for those who cyberbully

Cyberbullying Laws

Countries around the world have many laws and restrictions against cyberbullying such as:

→ United States: State (e.g. California Education Code, New York’s DASA) and federal (e.g. CIPA) legislation deals with cyberbullying, frequently mandating that schools act

→ United Kingdom: Legislation such as the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and Communications Act 2003 makes it a crime to send offensive or harmful messages over the internet

→ Canada: The Criminal Code contains provisions against harassment and non-consensual distribution of intimate images and some provinces have particular cyberbullying legislation

→ Australia: Federal legislation (e.g. Criminal Code Act 1995) and state legislation (e.g. Victoria’s Brodie‘s Law) address cyberbullying and online harassment

→ India: The IT Act and Indian Penal Code deal with cyberbullying through provisions on invasion of privacy, defamation and criminal intimidation

→ European Union: GDPR safeguards privacy and draft directives seek to counter online harassment and cyberbullying

→ South Korea: Harsh legislation under the Information and Communications Network Act and Criminal Code criminalizes online harassment and defamation

The effectiveness and reach of these laws differ. Some laws target cyberbullying in the school setting, while others target cyberbullying in general. It’s important to look into the particular laws in your area to know the legal consequences of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying Incidents

There have been several cases of cyberbullying that have brought out the horrors of online harassment.  These incidents in some cases include:

→ Suicides: Sad events where cyberbullying has led to suicide

→ Legal fights: Lawsuits launched against schools, offenders or even social media websites

→ Criminal prosecutions: Cases of cyberbullying resulting in criminal charges

These cases highlight the necessity of increased awareness of cyberbullying and stronger prevention and intervention efforts.

What are the Possible Consequences for Cyberbullying?

The consequences for cyberbullying may differ based on the level of severity of the actions, the age of the bully and the jurisdiction. The possible consequences are:

→ School disciplinary action: Suspension, expulsion or other forms of disciplinary action

→ Legal repercussions: Criminal charges, lawsuits or restraining orders

→ Social repercussions: Loss of reputation, friend loss or social exclusion

→ Parental repercussions: Curfews, grounding or other forms of discipline

How Can the Government Prevent Cyberbullying?

Governments can become involved in preventing cyberbullying by:

→ Legislation: Passing legislation that focuses specifically on cyberbullying

→ Education: Supporting programs to teach students, parents and teachers about the prevention and intervention of cyberbullying

→ Research support: Supporting research to understand the causes and consequences of cyberbullying better

→ Collaboration: Collaboration with schools, law enforcement and other organizations to tackle cyberbullying

What are the Possible Challenges for Cyberbullying?

Prosecuting and dealing with cyberbullying cases is challenging in the following ways:

→ Anonymity: Cyberbullies are usually able to hide behind anonymous accounts, making it hard to trace them

→ Jurisdiction: Cyberbullying transcends state and national borders, so it is difficult to decide which laws govern

→ Evidence: Gathering and storing digital evidence is complicated

→ Freedom of speech: Weighing the protection of victims from cyberbullying against the freedom of speech

→ Evolving technology: Cyberbullies continually evolve new means of harassing people on the Internet, so laws and policies are always playing catch-up

Preventing Cyberbullying: A Proactive Approach

Preventing cyberbullying requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, families, schools and communities. Proactive measures are crucial to create a safer online environment for everyone.

How Can You Prevent Cyberbullying?

Individuals can take several steps to prevent cyberbullying:

→ Be Mindful of Your Online Behavior: Think before you post or share anything online. Consider how your words and actions might affect others. Treat everyone with respect, even online

→ Keep Your Info Private: Be cautious when divulging personal details online. Tweak your social media privacy settings to restrict who views your posts and data

→ Don’t Fight Back: If you are being bullied online, avoid reacting or hitting back. This tends to make matters worse. Block the individual instead and report them to the site

→ Save Proof: If you’re being cyberbullied, save screenshots or other proof of the bullying. It can come in handy if you choose to report the bullying

→ Speak to Someone: If you’re being cyberbullied, speak with an adult that you trust, a parent, a teacher or a counsellor. They can give you support and assist you with solutions

→ Be an Upstander: If you notice someone else is being cyberbullied, don’t stand by. Say something and tell the person that their actions are unacceptable. Support the victim

Ways to Prevent Cyberbullying

A detailed list of measures to prevent cyberbullying includes:

→ Education: Educate yourself, your kids and your community on cyberbullying, its impact and how to avoid it

→ Open Communication: Discuss online activities and experiences openly between parents and children

→ Setting Boundaries: Create clear rules and expectations for what is acceptable in terms of online behaviour

→ Monitoring Online Activity: Monitor children’s online activity, particularly younger ones. But also balance this by giving them respect for their privacy as they become older

→ Privacy Settings: Apply privacy settings to social media and other online spaces to manage who can view your information

→ Strong Passwords: Employ strong passwords and update them regularly

→ Software and Tools: Use anti-cyberbullying software or browser add-ons that can identify and block malicious content

→ Reporting Mechanisms: Understand the reporting tools available on social media sites and other online services

→ School Policies: Assist schools in creating and applying effective anti-cyberbullying policies. Along with school rules, parents and students should be aware of how to protect their private information online to prevent identity theft and cyber threats

→ Community Involvement: Participate in community action to create awareness for cyberbullying and online safety

→ Encouraging empathy and respect: Educating children and youth about the value of empathy and respect in all interactions, both online and offline

→ Establishing a healthy online culture: Fostering positive and caring online interactions

→ Empowering bystanders: Supporting bystanders in speaking out and intervening when witnessing cyberbullying

→ Supporting victims: Providing support and assistance to victims of cyberbullying

→ Holding perpetrators accountable: Taking the proper action against individuals who practice cyberbullying

Which is an Appropriate Means of Reducing Cyberbullying?

Effective methods of reducing cyberbullying episodes involve:

→ Education and Awareness: Promoting awareness of cyberbullying through educational campaigns and programs

→ Creating a Culture of Respect: Developing a school and community culture that promotes respect and inclusion

→ Bystander Intervention Training: Educating students and adults in how to effectively and safely intervene in cyberbullying

→ Clear Policies and Procedures: Having clear policies and procedures in place for reporting and responding to cyberbullying incidents

→ Collaboration: Working together with schools, parents, law enforcement and other organizations to handle cyberbullying

How Can Someone Help Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying?

Bystanders are most important in helping prevent bullying and cyberbullying.  They can:

→ Speak Up: If you witness someone being bullied or cyberbullied, speak up and inform the bully that what they are doing is not acceptable

→ Offer Support: Provide support to the victim and inform them that they are not alone

→ Report the Bullying: Report the bullying to a trusted adult, including a teacher, parent or counsellor

→ Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander: Be an upstander, not a bystander. Take action and stand up to bullying, rather than passively observing the bullying taking place

→ Spread Kindness and Inclusion: Encourage kindness and inclusion in your school and community

Dealing With Cyberbullying: Taking Action And Finding Support

Being a victim of cyberbullying can be very upsetting, but it is crucial to know that you are not alone and there are things you can do to deal with the situation and defend yourself.

This section presents practical steps for victims, how to put an end to cyberbullying, and solutions and resources available.

How to Handle Cyberbullying

If you are cyberbullied, follow these crucial steps:

→ Don’t React or Respond: As hard as it is, do not interact with the cyberbully. Reacting or responding will tend to make the situation worse and give the bully what they crave a response

→ Save Evidence: Document all instances of cyberbullying. Take screenshots, save messages and record dates and times. This can be important if you choose to report the bullying

→ Block the Bully: Block the cyberbully on every platform they are reaching out to you from. This will stop them from sending you additional messages or commenting on your posts

→ Report the Bullying: Report the cyberbullying to the platform on which it is happening. Most social media sites and online services have a reporting system

→ Talk to Someone: Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, counsellor or friend. Discussing what you are going through can be a huge relief and they can provide guidance and support

→ Take Care of Yourself: Cyberbullying can affect your mental and emotional well-being. Ensure that you are taking care of yourself. Sleep well, eat well and do things that make you happy. Seek professional assistance if you are finding it difficult to cope

How to Stop Cyberbullying

To stop cyberbullying, you need a mix of individual responses and systemic reform.  Below are some of the most important steps:

→ Reporting: Document incidents of cyberbullying with the respective authorities, be they online forums, schools or the police, depending on the seriousness

→ Blocking and Muting: Use blocking and muting technologies on social sites and other apps to minimize communication with cyberbullies

→ Getting Help: Get help immediately from supportive adults, counsellors or mental health clinicians

→ Supporting Others: If you witness someone else being cyberbullied, be supportive and help them report the bullying

→ Promoting Digital Citizenship: Learn about and promote responsible online action and the value of digital citizenship

→ Advocating for Change: Be supportive of action to make online environments safer through policy and community actions

Cyberbullying Solutions

There are numerous solutions and resources available to deal with cyberbullying:

→ Online Safety Resources: Online safety websites and organizations provide information, advice and resources for the prevention and handling of cyberbullying

→ Mental Health Support: Mental health professionals can offer counselling and assistance to cyberbullying victims

→ Legal Assistance: In certain instances, legal recourse might be needed to deal with cyberbullying. Legal aid agencies can be of help

→ School Programs: Numerous schools have instituted anti-cyberbullying programs and policies

→ Community Initiatives: Community groups can provide workshops, support groups or other services pertaining to cyber bullying

→ Technology-based Solutions: Various companies that specialize in technology are creating tools and software to identify and counteract cyberbullying

It’s essential to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to combat cyberbullying by yourself. There are people who care about you and available resources to provide guidance on overcoming this difficult predicament.

Intervention, finding support and implementing available tools can go a long way to ending cyberbullying and the establishment of an improved online society.

Protecting Your Privacy: A Key To Preventing Cyberbullying

In today’s interconnected world, protecting your online privacy is not just a good practice it’s a crucial step in preventing cyberbullying and other online harms.

Your personal information is valuable and when it falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to harass, intimidate or even endanger you.

The Importance of Online Privacy

Online privacy is essential for several reasons:

→ Preventing Identity Theft: Keeping your personal information, including your name, address, phone number and social security number, secure can prevent identity theft. Malicious parties or cyberbullies may seek to steal your identity in order to open accounts in your name, make fraudulent purchases or engage in other crimes

→ Protecting Your Reputation: What you post on the internet can have long-lasting effects on your reputation. Cyberbullies may attempt to hunt down embarrassing photographs, posts or other content to use as ammunition against you. By monitoring what you post online, you can guard against having your reputation ruined

→ Keeping Control of Your Information: You own your personal information. By paying attention to what you post on the internet and taking advantage of privacy settings, you can keep control of your information and keep it from being used in a way you do not support

→ Limiting Your Exposure to Cyberbullying: Cyberbullies frequently utilize personal information against their victims. By limiting your exposure to personal information online, you can minimize your exposure to cyberbullying

Tips and Tools for Safe Online Personal Information Management

→ Use Strong Passwords: Make strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. You can use a password manager to keep your passwords organized

→ Adjust Privacy Settings: Use the privacy settings on social media sites and other online services. Restrict who can view your posts, photos and personal details

→ Be Careful About What You Post: Carefully consider what you post before you do. Don’t share personal information like your address, phone number or financial information

→ Be Aware of Clicking Links: Exercise caution when you click on links in emails, text messages or social networking posts, especially if you do not know who is sending the message. Links can take you to phishing websites or malware

→ Use Antivirus Software: Get and maintain current antivirus software installed on your systems to protect against malware that can steal your private data

→ Keep Software Updated: Install the newest updates to your operating system, web browser and other applications to fill in security gaps

→ Be Vigilant About Phishing Scams: Watch out for emails or messages requesting your personal data, including passwords or credit card details. Reputable organizations seldom request such data through emails

How Leaks of Privacy Can Help Fuel Cyberbullying

Leaks of privacy can greatly help fuel cyberbullying in many ways:

→ Giving Ammo to Harassment: When a cyberbully has access to intimate pictures, messages or other private details, they can use the data to embarrass or harass the victim

→ Enabling Identity Theft: Cyberbullies can steal personal details in order to pretend to be the victim or build false profiles

→ Facilitating Doxing: Doxing refers to the act of posting an individual’s personal information online with ill intent. Cyberbullies can dox their victims to make their personal information publicly available

→ Establishing a Sense of Vulnerability: Victims can feel unsafe and anxious if they know that their personal information is exposed. This can worsen the emotional trauma resulting from cyberbullying

By working to safeguard your online privacy, you can also greatly lower your chances of falling victim to cyberbullying and other online victimization. Keep in mind that online privacy is a continuing process and it’s worthwhile to remain abreast of emerging threats and current best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Cyberbullying is a serious situation in need of a concerted effort of awareness, prevention and intervention. By knowing the risks, following safe online habits and taking an active stand when seeing cyberbullying, we can build a safer digital world.

Everyone must do their part to keep themselves and others safe from harassment online.