What is Online Bullying?
Online bullying (or cyberbullying) is when someone uses phones, messages, social media, games, or any other digital space to repeatedly hurt, embarrass, or harass you.
It’s bullying—but it follows you everywhere, even when you’re home, online late at night, or just trying to chill.
Examples of Online Bulling:
- Hurtful or threatening DMs.
- Posting rumours or lies about you.
- Sharing embarrassing pics or videos.
- Fake profiles pretending to be you — or used to bully you.
- Excluding you from online groups or chats.
- Trolling or “dissing” you in public comment threads.
- Posting without your permission (aka “fraping” or doxxing).
What makes online bullying particularly harmful is its ability to follow a child everywhere, school, home, and even during sleep, with the potential for wide, public exposure and permanent digital footprints.
Who Gets Targeted?
Anyone can be bullied online — but you may be more at risk if:
- You’re seen as “different” in school or online.
- You’re LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or have a disability.
- You’re in a minority or speak up about injustice.
- You spend a lot of time on social media or gaming platforms.
- You don’t have strong digital boundaries or support.
Stats show that 1 in 5 kids aged 10–15 in England and Wales have experienced online bullying. And most of the time, it’s people from school doing it—classmates, not strangers.
How It Usually Starts
Sometimes it begins as a “joke” in the group chat. But then:
- It gets personal – people start making itabout you.
- Screenshots get passed around – even if it started privately.
- Other people join in – it snowballs.
- The bullying doesn’t stop – it just keeps going.
Online bullying can spiral fast because people feel anonymous behind a screen—and forget there’s a real person on the other side.
Signs That It’s Happening (To You or a Friend)
- You feel sick or anxious when a notification pops up.
- You’re suddenly avoiding apps or social media.
- You feel down, angry, or don’t want to go toschool.
- You’ve stopped doing stuff you usually enjoy.
- You’re hiding your screen or don’t want totalk about what’s going on.
- You feel ashamed, embarrassed, or scared to tell anyone.
What To Do If You’re Being Bullied
- Keep the receipts - Screenshot messages, comments, usernames, or photos. Save them in a folder—they could be important if you report it.
- Block and report - Most platforms have tools to block and report abusive behaviour. Use them.
- Talk to someone you trust - It could be a parent, older sibling, teacher, or friend. You don’t have to go through this alone.
- Adjust your settings - Tighten your privacy settings. Turn off DMs or hide your stories if needed.
- Remember: it’s not your fault - Bullying says more about the bully than it does about you. You did nothing to deserve it.
Worried About a Friend?
- If someone you know is being targeted—back them up. Even one supportive message can make a difference.
- Call it out if it’s safe. If not, report it privately.
- Check in with them. Ask: “Want to talk about what happened?”
Whether it’s happening to you or someone you know, you’re not alone, and it can be stopped. Real mates don’t let hate slide. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported, online and offline.
People remember the way you made them feel. Choose how you want to be remembered.
