How does cyber-bullying work?
Cyber-bullying happens on technological devices, such as mobile phones, computers and tablets. Cyber-bullying can happen through text messages, and online or social media apps. It includes sending, posting photos or videos viral, sharing negative, inaccurate, and not nice content about an individual. They could also share personal or confidential information regards to someone causing to embarrass and humiliate them. Some cyber-bullying can cross the line into illegal crimes.
Where does it take place?
The most common place where cyber-bullying happens are on social media, like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. It can happen through text messaging, and mobile phones or tablet. You could be getting hurtful direct messages on social media apps or online chat. Also, online forums, chat rooms, message boards, emails, and online gaming communities.
On social media, comments, photos, posts and content shared by people can be viewed by strangers and allies. Whether it’s a personal content or negative and hurtful content, views, activities and behaviours can be seen publicly. Things like this going viral may be approachable to schools, employers, colleges, and many more. Cyber-bullying can cause harm towards people’s reputations, involving the victim, the bully, and an individual taking part.
Concerns
There can be many concerns when it comes to cyber-bullying. Devices offers everyone to continuously and constantly communicate for 24 hours a day. So, it is hard for people, especially children to find relief when experiencing cyber-bullying. Most personal or confidential information through online or social media are permanently public, unless it is reported, blocked and removed. For bullies who have a negative online behaviour can have an effect on college admissions, employment, and other areas in life. It can be hard to notice because teachers, parents or others may not listen in and see cyber-bullying happening.
What to do when experiencing cyber-bullying
Cyber-bullying can have an impact on children, teenagers and adults who feel anxious and alone. It is best for your mental health and get the sense of relief to report all abuse on social media by clicking the report button, and then the reason. When bullied or as someone harming you, always consider blocking as an open choice. It will help with your emotional wellbeing.
Who do you talk to?
You are not alone in this and distancing yourself from others won’t help you cope with these situations. Please, be open to talk to your parents or guardians, teachers, or the manager from your workplace. You deserve all the support and the help you look for.
Feel free to book an appointment with your GP to talk about issues and to be heard. You will get all the guidance, support, and help you can get.
Regards to your mental health issues, talk to someone who specialise in mental health.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, harming yourself, going through depression or anxiety, call 999 for an ambulance or to go to the nearest A&E.
You can also involve the police if you feel like the cyber-bullying hasn’t stopped. Always have evidence with you to show, like screenshots. And get some legal advice.
If this is happening within work, involve the Human Resource Department so they can be aware of what is going on, and show proof of evidence. Also, ask to put evidence in the personnel file.
