What is Cyberbullying and Abuse?
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place online, typically through social media or other online platforms. It involves the use of electronic communication to bully another person, often by sending threatening or harassing messages. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including sending mean or threatening messages, spreading rumors or lies about someone, posting embarrassing or damaging photos or videos of someone without their consent, or excluding someone from online social groups. Like traditional bullying, cyberbullying can have serious consequences for the victim, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. It is important for parents, teachers, and other adults to be aware of the signs of cyberbullying and to take steps to prevent it from happening.
How to explain cyberbullying and abuse to a child
Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens online, using technology like smartphones, computers, and tablets. It happens when someone uses the internet or other digital tools to be mean, hurtful, or threatening to someone else. This can include sending mean or threatening messages, spreading rumors or lies, posting embarrassing or hurtful photos or videos, or excluding someone from online social groups. Cyberbullying can be very harmful to the person being bullied, and it is important for adults to help stop it from happening. If you see someone being cyberbullied, or if you are being cyberbullied yourself, it is important to tell a trusted adult so they can help.
Example of cyberbullying
Samantha and Emily were friends in middle school, but they had a falling out during their freshman year of high school. After their argument, Emily started posting mean and hurtful comments on Samantha's social media accounts. She would write things like "Nobody likes you" and "You're ugly" on Samantha's posts and photos. She also started spreading rumors about Samantha to their mutual friends, telling them that Samantha was a liar and a cheat. Samantha was devastated by Emily's actions and felt hurt and alone. She didn't know how to make it stop.
In this example, Emily is engaging in cyberbullying by using social media to hurt and harass Samantha. Her actions can have serious consequences for Samantha, causing her to feel isolated and upset. It is important for adults to be aware of this type of behavior and to take steps to stop it from happening.
Become Internet Independent
Cyberbullying and Abuse is one of the six key topics of cyber safety in the Internet Independent Framework. Download the framework here: https://www.cyberlitebooks.com/internet-independent-framework