Cyberbullying Prevention & Response

Understanding Cyberbullying

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. It can happen 24/7 and reach a wide audience quickly, making its impact particularly harmful.

Forms of Cyberbullying

Type	Description	Examples
Harassment	Repeatedly sending hurtful messages	Mean texts, threatening comments, offensive DMs
Exclusion	Intentionally leaving someone out	Removing from group chats, not tagging in photos
Outing	Sharing private information	Posting screenshots of private conversations
Cyberstalking	Repeated threatening behavior	Constant monitoring, following online activity
Fraping	Impersonating someone	Hacking accounts, creating fake profiles
Dissing	Spreading rumors online	Posting lies, sharing embarrassing content
Trolling	Deliberately provoking reactions	Inflammatory comments, starting arguments

⚠️ It's Not Just Kids

While cyberbullying is often associated with children and teens, adults can also experience it. The principles in this guide apply to everyone, regardless of age.

Recognizing Cyberbullying

Signs Someone is Being Cyberbullied

Behavioral Changes

Becoming withdrawn, anxious, or depressed
Avoiding social situations or school
Seeming upset after using devices
Suddenly stopping use of devices or social media
Being secretive about online activities
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Declining grades or loss of interest in activities
Appearing nervous or jumpy around devices

Physical Signs

Headaches or stomachaches
Trouble sleeping
Changes in appetite
Unexplained injuries (if cyberbullying escalates)

Cyberbullying vs. Online Conflict

Conflict	Cyberbullying
Equal power between parties	Imbalance of power
Isolated incident	Repeated behavior over time
Both parties equally upset	Target feels powerless
Can be resolved through talking	Requires intervention
May be accidental	Intentional harm

💡 Trust Your Gut

If someone's behavior online makes you feel scared, sad, angry, or embarrassed, it's a problem that needs to be addressed - even if you're not sure it qualifies as "cyberbullying."

Prevention Strategies

Personal Prevention

Digital Safety Habits

Keep passwords secure and change them regularly
Set social media accounts to private
Think before posting - could it be used against you?
Don't share personal information publicly
Be selective about accepting friend/follow requests
Log out of accounts when using shared devices
Review privacy settings regularly
Don't retaliate or engage with bullies

Building Digital Resilience

Cultivate offline relationships: Strong real-world connections provide support
Develop critical thinking: Question motives behind mean messages
Practice self-care: Take breaks from devices and social media
Build confidence: Remember your worth isn't determined by online opinions
Learn to be upstander: Support others who are targeted

Creating a Positive Online Culture

Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander

When you witness cyberbullying:

Don't participate - Don't like, share, or comment on hurtful posts
Support the target - Send a private message of support
Report it - Use platform reporting tools
Speak up - Post a positive comment or defend the target (if safe)
Tell an adult - Let someone know what's happening

✨ The Power of Kindness

Research shows that a single supportive message can significantly reduce the harm of cyberbullying. Your positive words matter more than you think.

For Parents and Educators

Talk openly about cyberbullying before problems occur
Create a judgment-free space for reporting
Model respectful online behavior
Establish clear family/school technology policies
Monitor without invading privacy excessively
Know the platforms and games children use
Teach empathy and perspective-taking

Response Protocol

Immediate Actions for Targets

🛑 STOP - BLOCK - TELL - SAVE

STOP: Don't respond or retaliate
BLOCK: Block the person on all platforms
TELL: Tell a trusted adult immediately
SAVE: Take screenshots as evidence

Detailed Response Steps

Step 1: Document Everything

Take screenshots with dates and times visible
Save messages and posts before blocking
Record usernames and URLs
Keep a log of incidents
Don't delete anything until advised by authorities
Save to multiple locations (device, cloud, email)

Step 2: Protect Yourself

Block the bully on all platforms
Change passwords if accounts may be compromised
Review and strengthen privacy settings
Consider taking a break from the platform
Remove location data from posts
Report the behavior to the platform

Step 3: Seek Support

Tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult
Talk to school counselor or administrator
Reach out to supportive friends
Contact helplines if needed (see resources section)
Consider professional counseling

Step 4: Report Appropriately

Where to Report	When to Use
Platform/App	All cases of cyberbullying
School Administration	If involves schoolmates or affects school
Internet Service Provider	Serious threats or harassment
Local Police	Threats of violence, stalking, child exploitation
FBI (IC3)	Serious cybercrimes, child exploitation
NCMEC Cybertipline	Child sexual exploitation

What NOT to Do

❌ Don't respond or retaliate - it can escalate the situation
❌ Don't delete evidence - save everything first
❌ Don't try to handle it alone - seek support
❌ Don't keep it secret - silence helps the bully
❌ Don't blame yourself - it's not your fault
❌ Don't post about it publicly - handle privately

For Parents: How to Help

When Your Child is Being Cyberbullied

Immediate Response

Stay calm: Your reaction sets the tone
Listen without judgment: Let them tell their story
Reassure them: It's not their fault, and you'll help
Don't minimize: Take their concerns seriously
Thank them for telling you: Reinforce open communication

Questions to Ask

"How long has this been happening?"
"Do you know who is doing this?"
"Are others involved or witnessing it?"
"How is this affecting you?"
"What have you tried so far?"
"What do you need from me?"

Long-term Support

Check in regularly about their wellbeing
Monitor situation without being overbearing
Help them rebuild confidence
Encourage offline activities and friendships
Consider professional counseling if needed
Teach healthy coping strategies
Celebrate their resilience and bravery

When Your Child is the Bully

Discovering your child has cyberbullied others is difficult, but addressing it properly is crucial:

Steps to Take

Address it immediately: Don't ignore or excuse the behavior
Explain the harm: Help them understand the impact
Remove privileges: Temporarily restrict device access
Require accountability: They should apologize (if appropriate)
Teach empathy: Discuss how their target might feel
Monitor closely: Supervise online activity
Seek help if needed: Consider counseling
Focus on change: Support positive behavior moving forward

⚠️ Legal Consequences

Cyberbullying can have legal consequences, including civil lawsuits and criminal charges for threats, harassment, or sharing explicit images of minors. In some cases, it can be prosecuted as a hate crime.

Platform Reporting

How to Report on Major Platforms

Instagram

Tap three dots on post → Report → Select reason
For profiles: Visit profile → Three dots → Report
For DMs: Hold message → Report → Select reason

TikTok

Long press on video → Report → Select issue
For accounts: Tap three dots on profile → Report
For comments: Long press comment → Report

Snapchat

Press and hold on Snap → Report Snap → Select reason
For accounts: Go to profile → Three dots → Report

Facebook

Click three dots on post → Find support or report
Select appropriate category and follow prompts

Discord

Right-click message → Report
Provide details and submit

What Happens After Reporting?

Platform reviews the report (usually within 24-48 hours)
Content may be removed if it violates policies
Accounts may be suspended or banned
You'll receive a notification about the outcome
You can appeal decisions if you disagree

Recovery and Healing

Coping Strategies

Emotional Recovery

Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel hurt, angry, or scared
Talk about it: Share with trusted people
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself
Focus on the positive: Remember your strengths and supporters
Engage in activities you enjoy: Rebuild confidence through hobbies

Rebuilding Online Presence

Take a break from platforms if needed
Curate your online space with positive content
Surround yourself with supportive online communities
Set healthy boundaries for technology use
Remember: You control your narrative

Building Resilience

Resilience helps you bounce back stronger:

Develop a strong support network offline
Practice mindfulness and stress management
Set and achieve personal goals
Learn from the experience without dwelling on it
Help others who face similar challenges

✨ You Are Not Alone

Millions of people experience cyberbullying. It doesn't define you, and you will get through this. Recovery is possible, and help is available.

Crisis Resources

Immediate Help

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7 support)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (mental health/substance abuse)
Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Teen Line: 1-800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863 (6-9 PM PT)

Online Resources

StopBullying.gov: Federal government resources
Cyberbullying Research Center: Latest research and resources
Common Sense Media: Age-appropriate advice
PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: Education and support
ConnectSafely: Platform-specific guides

Legal Resources

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov
NCMEC CyberTipline: www.cybertipline.org (child exploitation)
Local Police Non-Emergency: For threats and serious harassment

School Cyberbullying Policy Checklist

Schools should have comprehensive policies. Advocate for these elements:

Clear definition of cyberbullying
Examples of prohibited behaviors
Reporting procedures for students and staff
Investigation protocols
Consequences for bullying behavior
Support services for targets
Prevention education programs
Staff training requirements
Parent communication procedures
Regular policy review and updates