Cyberbullying: Recognizing It and What to Do
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Learning Objectives
- 1Define cyberbullying and describe how it differs from in-person bullying
- 2Recognize cyberbullying scenarios from everyday digital situations
- 3Apply the correct steps to take when cyberbullying occurs
Mini Lesson
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology — such as messages, social media, games, or online videos — to deliberately hurt, embarrass, or threaten another person. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can happen at any time of day and can spread quickly to many people.
What Cyberbullying Looks Like
- Sending mean, hurtful, or threatening messages to someone online.
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone without their permission.
- Spreading rumors or lies about someone through messages or social media.
- Leaving someone out of online groups on purpose to make them feel excluded.
- Pretending to be someone else online to trick or embarrass them.
What to Do If You Are Cyberbullied
- Do not respond — replying often makes things worse.
- Save the evidence — take a screenshot so you have proof.
- Block the person — use the block feature on the app or game.
- Tell a trusted adult — a parent, grandparent, or coach can help.
- Report it — use the in-app report button to flag the bullying behavior.
What to Do If You See Cyberbullying Happen to Someone Else
- Do not share, like, or comment on the hurtful content.
- Send a private message of support to the person being bullied.
- Report the content using the app or platform tools.
- Tell a trusted adult about what you have seen.
Remember: if you would not say it to someone's face, do not type it. Words on a screen hurt just as much as words spoken aloud.
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