Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. Here’s a refresh on what exactly bullying is and how cyberbullying differs.
Bullying
Unwanted aggressive behaviour towards a person who cannot easily defend themselves that is repeated over time by a group or a single person.
Cyberbullying
Unwanted aggressive behaviour, carried out online, towards a person who cannot easily defend themselves that is repeated over time by a group or a single person.
Cyberbullying can turn single instances of bullying into easily repeatable bullying ‘content’ online.
Example: A person who is bullying can embarrass someone offline and record a video of the event. When this video is shared on social media such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, it is repeatable cyberbullying.
Ultimately, there is little difference between bullying offline and cyberbullying. Both can cause a person being bullied to feel sad, anxious, isolated or worse. Always-on cyberbullying can make someone feel like they’re never in a safe space.
If you are being cyberbullied or you notice someone else is being cyberbullied, speak to someone you trust and follow some of the safety guides on our app.