The internet is a great place where you can connect with friends, share what you’re interested in, and explore endless information. But unfortunately, some people don’t always behave online the way they would in real life. The internet can make people feel anonymous, and sometimes that leads to behaviour that’s not ok at all.
Online bullying happens more than you might think, and if it’s happened to you or someone you know, you’re not alone. There here are ways to deal with it and stay strong online.
Online bullying is when someone uses the internet, whether it’s social media, messaging apps, or even gaming platforms, to hurt or embarrass someone else. It might be through:
- Mean comments on a post
- Spreading rumours or lies about someone online
- Excluding someone from group chats or games
- Sharing private information or pictures without permission
- Sending threatening messages
It can feel just as bad, if not worse, than face-to-face bullying because it can happen at any time and can feel like there’s no escape from it.
It’s normal to feel hurt, embarrassed, angry or even scared if you’re being bullied. You might feel like there’s something wrong with you or that you’ve done something to deserve it, but that’s just not true. No one deserves to be bullied, ever. The internet can feel overwhelming when it turns negative, but there are things you can do to take control back.
Here are some steps you can take if you’re dealing with being bullied online:
- Don’t respond to the bully. It might be tempting to fire back with something, but that can make things worse. Bullies often want a reaction, so ignoring them can be really powerful.
- Save the evidence. Take screenshots of the bullying messages or posts. This can help if you need to report it later on.
- Block. Most social media platforms and messaging apps have options to block people. Once someone’s blocked, they can’t contact you anymore.
- Report the behaviour. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have tools to report harmful content. They take these reports seriously and can remove posts or ban users. You can also use services like CEOP to report things.
- Talk to someone. It’s really important to talk to someone you trust about what’s happening. Whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher or a youth worker, they can help you figure out what to do next. There’s an old saying, a problem shared is a problem halved. Don’t keep it to yourself as that can be damaging and it can also give the bully more power over you and your emotions.
- Take a break. Sometimes stepping away from the screen can help you clear your head. Go outside, hang out with friends or do something you enjoy offline to get some distance from the negativity. Use your Young Scot NEC card to jump on the bus for free and head off to your favourite place or to meet those friends.
If you see online bullying happening to someone else, you can help stop it:
- Reach out to the person being bullied. Let them know you’re there for them and that they’re not alone. Even a simple message like, “Hey, I hope you are ok” can make a huge difference. This is best if it is a friend or someone you know.
- Don’t join in. Even if it seems like everyone’s ganging up on someone, you don’t have to be part of it.
- Report the bully. If you see harmful content, report it even if it’s not happening to you. It helps keep the internet a safer space for everyone. Most platforms have a code of conduct for users and ways to report something that is not ok.
It’s hard to deal with negativity, but building resilience can help you bounce back when things get hard. Here are a few tips to help strengthen your resilience online:
- Remember that the bully’s actions are about them, not you. Bullies often project their own insecurities onto other people. Whatever they say or do reflects their issues, not yours. Sometimes understanding why a person is doing it can help with stepping away and not allowing it to get to you.
- Surround yourself with positivity. Follow accounts that make you feel good, whether they’re funny, inspiring, uplifting or just totally unserious. Fill your feeds with things that make you smile. Have a collection of sites and spaces you know fit with you and have things you want to see.
- Practice self-care. Whether it’s taking time for a hobby you love, talking to friends, or just chilling out, looking after your mental health is key to staying strong online.
- Know when to step away. If social media is making you feel down, it’s okay to take a break. In fact, it’s essential! You can mute accounts, take a digital detox, or even deactivate your account for a little bit. It’s your online space, make sure it’s a place where you feel good.
- Find other things to do. Joining a club or group in your local area can be a great way to give yourself a boost. It might be a gym, a youth club or something else. Find out about clubs and groups in Renfrewshire.
Places to Get Help
If you’re struggling with cyberbullying or your mental health, there are people ready to help. Here are some great resources for young people in Scotland:
- CEOP. You can report online bullying or any kind of online abuse anonymously through CEOP.
- Childline. If you need someone to talk to, Childline offers free and confidential support. Call 0800 1111 or chat online.
- Young Minds. They offer mental health support and resources for young people.
- Respect Me. Scotland’s anti-bullying service has advice and support for dealing with bullying.
- Ren10. Ren10 is a collection of services in Renfrewshire that can help support your physical and mental well-being.
- Young Scot That’s Not Ok has lots of information on respect and relationships.
- Young Scot DigiKnow campaign is packed full of support and advice.
This article comes from Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Services and we are part of the DigiRen network which is all about looking at ways to make Renfrewshire more digitally inclusive for everyone. Find out about the latest initiative DigiZones. It’s also Youth Work Week! A celebration of how youth work helps to support you with a special focus on how you develop resilience and build essential skills for life (including in the digital world).
We are launching an article every day Monday-Friday during DigiKnowVember and Youth Work Week.