What Is Cyberbullying?
Quick Answer
Cyberbullying is when someone uses phones, computers, or the internet to be mean to someone else on purpose and over and over again. It can include sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors online, or sharing embarrassing photos. It's just like regular bullying, but it happens on screens instead of in person.
Explaining By Age Group
Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation
You know how it feels really bad when someone says something mean to you? Cyberbullying is when someone uses a phone or computer to say mean things to another person. It's not okay, and it can make people feel very sad.
You know how sometimes at school a kid might say "you can't play with us" and it hurts your feelings? Cyberbullying is like that, but it happens through messages on a tablet or phone. The person being mean might send nasty words or ugly pictures.
If someone is being mean to you on a screen, the best thing to do is tell a grown-up right away, like your mom, dad, or teacher. You didn't do anything wrong, and the grown-up can help make it stop.
Remember, you should always try to be kind to people, whether you're talking to them face to face or on a screen. Kind words make people feel good, and mean words hurt whether they're said out loud or typed on a phone.
Ages 6-8 More Detail
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology, like a phone, tablet, or computer, to be mean to someone else over and over. It might be sending mean texts, posting embarrassing photos, or writing hurtful comments on someone's posts. The 'cyber' part just means it happens online instead of face to face.
One thing that makes cyberbullying extra hard is that it can follow you home. Regular bullying might happen at school, but when the school day ends, you get a break. With cyberbullying, the mean messages can show up anytime, even at night or on weekends, because your phone is always with you.
Another tough thing about cyberbullying is that lots of people can see it. If someone writes something mean about you online, it's not just between you and them. Other kids might see it, share it, or even add on to it. That can make the person being bullied feel even worse.
If you ever see cyberbullying happening to someone else, you can help by not joining in, not sharing the mean stuff, and telling an adult. Standing up for someone, even just by being their friend, can make a huge difference.
The most important thing to remember is that if someone is cyberbullying you, it is NOT your fault. You should always tell a trusted grown-up like a parent or teacher. They can help you block the bully and make a plan to keep you safe. You don't have to deal with it alone.
Ages 9-12 Full Explanation
Cyberbullying is the use of digital devices like phones, computers, and tablets to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target someone. It can take many forms: sending mean or threatening texts, spreading rumors in group chats, posting embarrassing photos or videos without someone's permission, or leaving cruel comments on social media posts.
What makes cyberbullying different from in-person bullying is that there's often no escape. If someone is picking on you at school, at least you can go home and get away from it. But cyberbullying can reach you anywhere, at any time. It can also spread incredibly fast. One screenshot can be sent to dozens of people in seconds.
Sometimes cyberbullying comes from people hiding behind fake accounts or anonymous usernames. This can make people braver about being cruel because they think they won't get caught. But it also makes the person being bullied feel helpless, because they might not even know who's targeting them.
The effects of cyberbullying are serious and real. Kids who are cyberbullied often feel anxious, sad, lonely, and can have trouble sleeping or focusing at school. Some kids start avoiding school or social situations altogether. It's not something to brush off as 'just joking around' because the hurt it causes is real.
If you're being cyberbullied, here's what to do: don't respond to the bully, because that's usually what they want. Save the evidence by taking screenshots. Block the person doing it. And most importantly, tell a parent, teacher, or school counselor. If you see someone else being cyberbullied, don't be a bystander. Report it, and reach out to the person being targeted to let them know they're not alone.
You also have the power to prevent cyberbullying by thinking before you post or send something. Ask yourself: would I say this to the person's face? Would I want someone to send this about me? If the answer is no, don't hit send.
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Tips for Parents
Cyberbullying can be a challenging topic to discuss with your child. Here are some practical tips to help guide the conversation:
DO: Set clear boundaries early. Establish screen time limits, approved apps/sites, and rules about online interaction before handing over a device. It's much easier to start with structure than to add it later.
DO: Keep devices in common areas. Having computers and tablets in shared spaces makes it natural for you to be aware of your child's online activity without it feeling like surveillance.
DON'T: Don't just say 'be careful online' — be specific. Teach them exactly what personal information not to share, what to do if someone makes them uncomfortable, and how to recognize suspicious behavior.
DO: Have regular check-ins. Create a habit of talking about what they're seeing and doing online, just like you'd ask about their day at school. Make it conversational, not interrogative.
DON'T: Don't rely solely on parental controls. Technology solutions are important, but they can be circumvented. Nothing replaces ongoing conversation and a trusting relationship where your child feels comfortable coming to you with problems.
Common Follow-Up Questions Kids Ask
After discussing cyberbullying, your child might also ask:
What's the difference between cyberbullying and regular bullying?
The main difference is where it happens. Regular bullying is face to face, like at school or on the playground. Cyberbullying happens through technology, like texts, social media, or online games. Cyberbullying can be harder to escape because it can reach you at home, and it can spread to a much wider audience very quickly.
What should I do if I'm being cyberbullied?
Don't reply to the bully. Take screenshots of the messages or posts as evidence. Block the person on whatever app or platform they're using. Then tell a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counselor. You don't have to handle it by yourself, and telling someone is not 'snitching'—it's being smart.
Can you get in trouble for cyberbullying?
Yes. Many schools have rules against cyberbullying and can give out detentions, suspensions, or even expulsions. In some places, cyberbullying can also break the law, especially if it involves threats, harassment, or sharing private photos. It can have serious consequences.
Is it cyberbullying if someone does it just once?
A single mean message is definitely unkind, but cyberbullying usually refers to repeated behavior. However, even one message can be considered cyberbullying if it's severe enough, like a threat or sharing a very embarrassing photo. If something online hurts you, it's always worth talking to an adult about it.
What if the cyberbully is anonymous and I don't know who they are?
Even if you don't know who's behind it, you should still save the evidence and tell an adult. Schools and sometimes even police can work with apps and websites to trace anonymous accounts. Most platforms also let you report and block anonymous users.
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