We are told from a young age that everything you post online stays there forever. Many of us heed this warning when we contemplate pressing “share”. However, we aren’t always as mindful of what we post about others — or what they may post about us.
Roughly 78% of grade-school students in the United States have fallen victim to some form of cyberbullying. What used to be an issue that primarily stayed within school walls can now follow victims anywhere they have a screen — which for many is everywhere they go. It’s important for all internet users to recognize, report, and stop cyberbullying, so read on to learn more.
24/7 Helpline for Victims of Cyberbullying
If you’re being bullied online and need help now, call our U.S.-based cyberbullying hotline at (800) 849-6515. You don’t have to face this alone — our investigators will listen and guide you through your next steps. Whether it’s emotional support or technical guidance, we’re here to help.
Why is Online Bullying Dangerous?
Any form of bullying can have negative ramifications on the victim’s mental and physical health. Cyberbullying is no exception, and some experts find it more dangerous than traditional bullying. Cyberbullies can post their harmful content anonymously to a virtually limitless audience.
Not only does this perpetuate and amplify the damage, but it also makes it more difficult to respond. It’s difficult to confront someone you don’t know. Likewise, cyberbullies are often emboldened by their anonymity and not having to face the victim.
Cyberbullying often targets younger people, and it may be more difficult for a trusted adult to advise on handling digital abuse. This is one of the reasons our experts recommend that all internet users educate themselves on cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can even threaten an individual’s educational career. The mental toll can make it hard to focus, and the embarrassment can make students want to avoid school altogether. 60% of students said that cyberbullying affected their ability to perform and feel safe at school. An additional 10% skipped school at least once in the prior year as a result.
Where Does Cyberbullying Usually Happen?
Cyberbullying can take place on any platform that allows users to share content. It’s commonly seen on social media, messaging applications, and gaming platforms. Meta’s family of platforms were the highest reported for both witnessing and experiencing cyberbullying.
Who is Most at Risk?
Anyone who uses the internet could have a run in with a cyberbully, but minors are especially at risk. Girls and members of the LGBTQ+ community reported higher instances of cyberbullying than boys, with transgender youth targeted the most.
There is also a positive correlation between high internet usage and cyberbullying. Teens who expressed high levels of internet addiction reported a significant and similar jump in experienced hate speech, cyberbullying, and threats of violence.
What Should You Do if You’re Being Bullied Online?
The best thing a victim of cyberbullying can do is tell someone about what they are dealing with. This could be a friend, family member, or professional. There are people who are ready and able to help, and you should let them.
You will also want to collect evidence of the online bullying. Take screenshots of the account responsible and their posts, comments, or messages that are causing you harm. This evidence will help support any reports and legal action against the cyberbully.
You should also cut off communication with the cyberbully. However, try to avoid blocking them. This may seem like an effective way to remove their ability to reach you, but blocking may permanently delete critical evidence. Our experts recommend reporting and muting the user but keeping them unblocked until you’ve conducted a proper investigation.
Legal or Platform-based Options for Stopping Cyberbullying
You should inform the platform where the cyberbullying occurred. This could be a social media network, gaming platform, or service provider. Go to the service’s official support page to learn the specific method for reporting.
There are also legal avenues the victim can take depending on the severity of the cyberbullying. If the cyberbully committed defamation or intentional infliction of emotional damage, you may be able to seek civil restitutions.
You may also pursue a criminal charge against the cyberbully if their actions have escalated to more serious illicit threats. These often include real-world threats of harm or actions that are explicitly criminalized, like identity theft.
There is also the option of applying for court-appointed protection from the perpetrator. However, all of these legal options will be difficult to enforce if the cyberbully is anonymous. Our experts advise working with digital forensic experts to identify the perpetrator and discussing your legal options with a lawyer.
How Can Digital Experts or Investigators Assist?
Working with digital forensic professionals can help you gather information on the perpetrator and evidence of the crime that wouldn’t be possible alone. These experts utilize proprietary technology to extract data embedded deep within the code of online interactions.
Not only does this data contain critical evidence, but it can also reveal the cyberbully’s identity if they acted anonymously. These are both necessary elements to your case if you decide to take legal action against the perpetrator.
Speaking of legal action, a reputable digital investigation firm will document their entire investigation to maintain the chain of custody. You should confirm that the team you work with prioritizes documentation to ensure the report will be admissible as evidence.
Resources That Can Help Secure Your Digital Safety and Mental Health
Cyberbullies look to isolate their victims, but it’s important to remember you are not alone. Our analysts recommend the following resources to help victims of cyberbullying with emotional support and legal assistance.
StopBullying.gov
This is a government resource offering prevention tips, reporting guidance, and support for victims. They partner with the Department of Education (ED), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ).
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI)
CCRI offers support and legal guidance for victims of online harassment, including non-consensual image sharing. Furthermore, they help advise lawmakers drafting legislation to cover these issues.
National Bullying Prevention Center (PACER)
PACER issues educational materials and resources for minors, parents, and educators. This includes guides that can be used at home or in the classroom. Additionally, they founded awareness initiatives like National Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day.
Cyberbullying Research Center
This organization provides information on cyberbullying for those who work with young people. Furthermore, they include stories from past victims and resources that can help those currently dealing with cyberbullying.
