Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying, or online bullying, is any type of bullying behaviour that happens online. 

It can happen anytime, anywhere, via social networks, gaming, and mobile phone, and can often leave the person experiencing it feeling like there is no escape from it. Cyberbullying can affect people of any age. It can be perpetrated by strangers or people known to the victim; it can involve individuals or groups of people. It can be harder to spot than in-person bullying, but understanding the dangers can help keep people safe. 

Cyberbullying can include:

• sending threatening, abusive or offensive messages.
• creating and sharing embarrassing images or videos.
• excluding people from online activities or friendship groups.
• shaming someone online.
• setting up hate sites or groups about a person.
• encouraging people to self-harm or commit suicide.
• using someone's identity to creating fake accounts to cause harm. 
• sending explicit images and messages known as sexting. 

Cyberbullying can also overlap with other types of harm and abuse, for example, pressuring children into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual conversations. It may also be a form of discrimination if the bullying is based on somebody’s race, disability, gender identity, sex, sexuality, religion or belief.

Cyberbullying should be reported to your organisation’s Safeguarding Lead. Cyberbullying may also need referring outside of your organisation, for example, if a crime has been committed or if someone is at risk of serious harm. There are laws across the UK to protect people from bullying behaviour, such as persistent harassment and intimidation or sending indecent, offensive or threatening messages.

As well as reporting to your Safeguarding Lead and providing emotional support, there are other practical steps you can take.