Online bullying also known as Cyberbullying is a phrase used to characterize a number of threatening and harassing online actions such as stalking or generally bullying another person over the internet or through a cell phone.
It also entails sending harassing messages, posting fake information, posting private or edited photos, or encouraging others to bully someone. Winning someone’s trust and then utilizing that position to impersonate them online, post personal information about them, or pretend to be them and bully someone else are also other forms of online harassment and bullying.
Perpetrators frequently use social media to target victims, and they often hide behind phony profiles or hacked profiles to do so. Cyberbullying or online harassment is something that can happen to anyone. It can also take a variety of forms, ranging from irritating to horrific — and everything in between. Online harassment can have a significant emotional and physical impact on the victim, but there are strategies for dealing with it and resources accessible.
ENSURE THAT YOU DO NOT ENGAGE: Online bullies, like most bullies, are looking for a reaction and proof that they are causing harm. Don’t play into their hands by engaging in an online brawl. Try as much as possible to ignore them. If you simply ignore the comments, the person may move on to another target.
BLOCK THE SENDER: If you are receiving communications that are upsetting you, you should block the sender. Users can ban other users on all main social networks and messaging apps. On most social networks, this is a simple operation that can be accomplished by going to the app settings or clicking on the user profile. A caller’s number can be blocked on some mobile phones. You may need to consult the handbook or enlist the assistance of another person to do this task.
DO NOT DELETE EVIDENCE: Ensure that you have all offending communications for evidence, both electronically and in hard copy (print). Do not edit or alter them in any way because it could turn out to be useful in the future.
REPORT THE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT: Most applications and social media sites (such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat) have published guidelines that state what is and is not okay to be posted on their sites. You can find these guidelines by looking for pages on “Terms and Conditions”, or Community Standards/Guidelines. These sites also have a mechanism for reporting abuse of these guidelines. You can report the accounts and make a complaint. When making a complaint, use the advice provided above about documenting your situation. Include a screenshot of the comment or a copy of the photograph as evidence when you submit your report.
NOTIFY PARENTS, GUARDIANS OR AUTHORITIES: Ensure that you inform your parents, guardian or any one close to you that you are comfortable talking to. The sooner you do that, the better. Don’t wait until it escalates. You can also report to the authorities if you are in immediate danger. You can ontact the local police or law enforcement agency.
