Cyberbullying and online harassment can be extremely distressing. They can be
even be classed as criminal offences in some cases. However, there are plenty of
organisations you can turn to for help, including charities, social media
service providers, and the police. Here’s an overview of what online
bullying is, how you can avoid it, and where you go for advice: -
What is cyberbullying and online harassment?
Making comments or posts online that are deliberately abusive, offensive,
threatening, or inflammatory. Liking and sharing this kind of abuse can
also count as bullying and harassment. Online bullies and harassers use
all sorts of platforms, including social media (like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat,
and Instagram), forums, gaming sites, comments sections, mobile phone chat
groups and more.
There’s a very detailed definition of cyberbullying at:
http://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/what-is-cyberbullying/
How you can stay safer
Think before you post: when posting or commenting online, consider what you
say and what effect it may have. Never post comments that are abusive,
threatening or are likely to cause offence to others.
Keep personal information personal: do not say anything or publish pictures that
might later cause you or someone else embarrassment. Be aware of what friends
post about you, or how they reply to your posts – particularly about your
personal details and activities.
Make the most of privacy settings: keep your profiles closed, allowing access
only to your chosen friends and family.
Social media help sections can show you how to block users, change your privacy
and contact settings, and report abusive content:
• Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/help/
• Twitter - https://support.twitter.com/
• Instagram - https://help.instagram.com/
• LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin
• Google+ -
https://support.google.com/plus#topic=6320382
• YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/yt/policyandsafety/en-GB/reporting.html
• Pintrest -
https://help.pinterest.com/en
• Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/abuse
• Snapchat -
https://support.snapchat.com/en-GB
Report cyberbullying to internet service providers: lots of content online is
offensive or upsetting. It’s not always a criminal offence, but it often
violates the terms and conditions established by social media sites and internet
service providers. Service providers are often keen to take action against users
who abuse their terms of service.
If you believe that you are the victim of online bullying, keep a record of the
content (for example, take a screenshot). You can use this to help your report
to the service provider and, if necessary, the police.