Bullying is a serious issue that can affect anyone, especially youth. It involves repeated, targeted aggression that leaves the victim feeling unsafe. It can be verbal, social, or physical, and with technology, it can also happen online through cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is particularly harmful because it can happen anytime, anywhere, and reach a wider audience. Knowing how to recognize, respond to, and support others dealing with bullying is essential to creating a safer, kinder community.
What is bullying?
Bullying is the targeted, repetitive act of unwanted, aggressive behaviour towards someone that results in them feeling unsafe.
Types of bullying
- Verbal: teasing, name-calling, rude or sexual comments, and threats.
- Social: purposefully excluding someone, and spreading rumours to alter others’ opinions of you.
- Physical: intentionally harming you or your belongings.
How is cyberbullying different?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. The bully can be anonymous and located anywhere without geographical limitations. A wider audience also witnesses cyberbullying, since anyone online can view the content.
What do I do if I am being cyberbullied?
- Tell a trusted adult.
- Do not message the bully back or interact with the content – it can worsen the harassment.
- Save the evidence.
- Block and report the bully’s account.
What do I do if I witness cyberbullying?
- Do not “like” or share the content.
- Block and report the bully’s account.
- If you know the victim personally, support them.