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Cyberbullying

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The Issue

According to StopBullying.gov, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can happen via text message and within apps, on social media, forums, and gaming sites. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Signs that a child may be a victim of cyberbullying include:

  • Avoiding the computer, cellphone, and other technological devices or appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text
  • Withdrawing from family and friends or acting reluctant to attend school and social events
  • Avoiding conversations about computer use
  • Exhibiting signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear
  • Has declining grades
  • Has poor eating or sleeping habits

By the Numbers

Among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied during the school year, 21.6% were bullied online or by text.1

Nationwide, 19% of students in grades 9-12 report being bullied on school property.1

How to Talk About It

Discussions about positive, healthy habits online should start early and happen often. Use these discussion starters to get the conversation started.

Ask

  • Has anyone ever tried talking to you online about inappropriate or sexual things? What did you do?
  • Do you trust all of your online friends? Are there any people you should unfriend or block?
  • Do you know how to report, flag, or block people on the websites and apps you use? Can you show me?
  • Who would you talk to if you were upset by a request you received online?

Reinforce

If you see something online that's meant to hurt someone, don't "like" or share it. Think about how you'd feel if someone did that to you.

It's OK not to like someone. It's not OK to bully them.

If someone cyberbullies you, you may want to send a mean comment back, but it could make this worse. Instead, save the evidence and report it.

Being a good digital citizen means standing up for others. Take steps to help peers being cyberbullied (eg., post nice comments, sit with them at lunch, report the harassment, etc.).

Resources

Potty-Mouth Pete is trying to spread bad netiquette all over the Internet. Can Clicky, Webster, and Nettie stop him before it’s too late?

Bad Netiquette Stinks

A teen regrets his participation on a website created to rate others at his school.

You Can't Take It Back

Lily and Gabriela aren’t getting along, on- or offline. Will their decisions lead to common ground or digital drama?

Split Decisions

La temporada 2 de "Into the Cloud" aborda la seguridad de los juegos y las transmisiones en vivo, el chantaje digital, el ciberacoso y la eliminación / denuncia de contenido inapropiado en línea. Ideal para niños menores de 10 años. Subtítulos en español disponibles.

Into the Cloud: Temporada 2
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"Into the Cloud" Season 2 Episode Guides
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Hostigamiento cibernético
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Are you a parent or guardian looking for on-demand trainings related to prevention education? Check out NCMEC’s virtual child safety series, Parent Connect, available for free on NCMEC CONNECT. Topics include cyberbullying, online enticement, livestreaming, gaming, sexting, and more!