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Battling the Mean Message Monsters

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Mean Message Monsters

What is online bullying?

Online bullying is when someone tries to hurt, upset, or embarrass you using messages, games, or apps. You might hear it called cyberbullying, but it’s just bullying — on a screen.

It could be :

  • Sending mean messages
  • Posting unkind things or silly pictures to make you feel bad
  • Leaving you out on purpose in online games or chats
  • Pretending to be someone else and saying nasty things

What does it feel like?

Online bullying can make you feel:

  • Sad
  • Angry
  • Emabarassed
  • Worried
  • Anxious

When it happened to me, I didn’t even want to go online anymore. Every time I saw a message pop up, my belly felt twisty!

How can you spot it?

It could be :

  • Messages that are mean or rude
  • Someone always making fun of you, even if they say it’s “just a joke”
  • You feel left out or laughed at in group chats or games
  • You start hiding your screen or not wanting to talk about what’s happening online

What should you do?

Here’s your Safe and Smart Plan:

  • STOP
    reading the messages
  • BLOCK
    the person
  • SAVE
    the messages or take screenshots
  • TELL
    A trusted grown-up
  • REMEMBER
    You did nothing wrong bullies are making bad choices

If something doesn’t feel kind or fun tell someone. That’s what smart kids do!

Who can you talk to?

  • Your parent or carer
  • A teacher or school helper
  • An older sibling
  • A trusted family member

Or call ChildLine together

0800 1111
childline.org.uk

Moxo’s Top Tips to Beat the Bullies!

  • Be kind even when others aren’t
  • Only talk to people you know in real life
  • Don’t reply to bullies (they want attention!)
  • If someone else is being bullied, back them up or tell a grown-up
  • You’re amazing just the way you are

You’re smart. You’re strong. And you never have to deal with bullying alone.

Kindness is cool, and bullies are not.

Sometimes I mess up online, but I always bounce back stronger!

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