Bullying is unpleasant, whether it's happening physically or online. What makes cyberbullying particularly tough is that because it happens online, it's often not obvious when someone is being bullied. So, it's easy for the victim to be overwhelmed and feel helpless.
But here's the thing: if you or someone you know experiences cyberbullying, you're not helpless. You can do something about it.
How to Recognize Cyberbullying
To deal with cyberbullying, you first need to recognize what it looks like. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs online or through digital devices like phones, computers, or tablets. It manifests in different ways, such as:
Threats: Someone directly or indirectly says they will harm the victim, such as sending messages like, "You’ll regret this," or more specific threats of violence.
Public Shaming: Posting or sharing content (like photos, videos, or comments) meant to embarrass or humiliate the victim in front of others. For example, sharing an embarrassing photo with cruel captions.
Impersonation: Creating fake accounts or pretending to be the victim online, often to spread lies, damage their reputation, or trick others into thinking the victim is responsible for harmful actions.
Steps to Report Cyberbullying
Here’s how you can report cyberbullying while remaining safe online:
1. Collect Evidence
The first thing to do is to save proof of the cyberbullying. This could be screenshots of messages, posts, or comments. The evidence should include the date, time, and the person’s username.
Save these files in a safe place, like a private folder or cloud storage, so that you won’t lose them. Having clear evidence is important when reporting to the platform, authorities, or anyone who can help.
2. Report on the Platform
Most social media platforms and websites have tools to report bullying and other forms of inappropriate behavior by users. On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can report posts or messages by selecting the "Report" button. X lets you report posts, threads, or even entire accounts.
When you make a report, explain what happened and attach your evidence if possible. Many platforms let you report anonymously, which can make you feel safer. Once you’ve submitted your report, keep track of any confirmation or follow-up messages from the platform.
3. Escalate to Authorities When Necessary
If the cyberbullying includes threats, stalking, or anything illegal, contact the police or your local cybercrime unit. Share the evidence you have and explain the situation in detail.
In some countries, you can also contact special organizations that deal with online harassment. The U.S., for example, has the CyberTipline where you can report incidents of child sexual exploitation. These groups can provide advice and help, especially when minors or vulnerable people are involved.
4. Notify Your School or Workplace
If the bullying happens in school or at work, tell someone in charge. Schools usually have rules against bullying, and they can involve counselors to help. Workplaces often have HR departments that handle harassment and can take action to protect employees.
Make sure to give them all the information they need, such as your evidence, and follow up to check on the progress.
5. Block and Restrict the Bully
After reporting, protect yourself by blocking the person who is bullying you. Blocking stops them from contacting you or seeing your posts. Many platforms also let you "restrict" someone so they can’t comment or message without your approval.
Take some time to check your privacy settings too. You can limit who can contact you or view your profile to prevent future issues.
6. Seek Support
Dealing with cyberbullying can be stressful, so it’s important to talk to someone you trust. Share your feelings with friends or family who can support you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a counselor or helpline. Some professionals can help you feel better and guide you on what to do next.
At The Mission Haven, we are dedicated to supporting survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), and we understand how harmful online interactions can escalate to serious situations, including sexual abuse. If you experience cyberbullying, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide a safe space for those who need it.
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