Cyberbullying is a serious problem affecting people of all ages and from every walk of life.
The anonymity and distance provided by screens can embolden people to behave in ways they never would face-to-face. Keyboard warriors, they call them, even though it’s unclear who they’re actually fighting. However, being targeted by a cyberbully doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and put an end to the harassment.
1. Don’t react immediately to the bully’s messages.
Source: Unsplash When you first encounter cyberbullying, it’s natural to feel angry or hurt and want to respond right away. However, taking a moment to calm down is crucial. Reacting in the heat of the moment might escalate the situation or give the bully the reaction they’re looking for. Take a deep breath, step away from your device, and give yourself time to think clearly before deciding how to proceed.
2. Document everything the cyberbully sends you.
Start keeping a record of all interactions with the cyberbully. Take screenshots of messages, emails, or social media posts. Note the dates and times of each incident. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to report the behaviour to authorities or platform administrators. Having a clear record also helps you maintain perspective on the situation and can be useful in identifying patterns of harassment.
3. Block the bully on all platforms.
Most social media platforms and messaging apps offer the option to block users. Take advantage of this feature to cut off the bully’s direct access to you. Blocking them prevents them from sending you messages, seeing your posts, or interacting with your content. While it might not stop all forms of harassment, it can significantly reduce your exposure to their harmful behaviour.
4. Adjust your privacy settings to limit the bully’s access.
Review and tighten your privacy settings across all your online accounts. Limit who can see your posts, send you messages, or tag you in content. Consider making your profiles private or visible only to trusted friends. These steps can help create a barrier between you and the cyberbully, making it harder for them to find ways to harass you.
5. Report the cyberbully to the platform.
Source: Unsplash Most social media platforms and online forums have mechanisms for reporting abusive behaviour. Use these tools to alert the platform administrators about the cyberbully. Provide as much detail as possible, including screenshots of the harassment. While responses can vary, many platforms take cyberbullying seriously and may suspend or ban users who violate their terms of service.
6. Reach out to your support network.
Source: Unsplash Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues about what you’re experiencing. They can offer emotional support, practical advice, and perhaps even help in documenting or reporting the bullying. Having a support system can make a significant difference in how you cope with the stress of being cyberbullied.
7. Consider responding once, firmly and clearly.
Source: Unsplash In some cases, a single, clear message to the bully stating that their behaviour is unacceptable and must stop can be effective. Keep it brief, unemotional, and to the point. Avoid engaging in arguments or trying to reason with them. Sometimes, knowing that their target is willing to stand up for themselves can deter further bullying.
8. Save evidence in a secure location.
In addition to taking screenshots, save copies of all evidence in a secure place, such as a password-protected cloud storage account or an external hard drive. This ensures you have backups if anything happens to your original devices or accounts. Having multiple copies of evidence can be crucial if you need to escalate the matter to the authorities.
9. Check if the cyberbullying violates any laws.
Source: Unsplash Research the cyberbullying laws in your area. In many places, certain forms of online harassment are illegal. If the bullying involves threats, hate speech, or sharing of private information, it might be a criminal offence. Understanding your legal rights can help you decide whether to involve law enforcement.
10. Inform your school or workplace if relevant.
Source: Unsplash If the cyberbully is a classmate or colleague, consider reporting their behaviour to your school administration or HR department. Many institutions have policies against cyberbullying and can take action to address the situation. They might also offer additional support or resources to help you deal with the harassment.
11. Take care of your mental health.
Source: Unsplash Being cyberbullied can take a massive toll on your mental and emotional health. Prioritise self-care activities that help you relax and maintain perspective. This might include exercise, meditation, or doing things you love and that bring you contentment. If you’re struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to get support from a counsellor or support group.
12. Avoid retaliating against the cyberbully.
Source: Unsplash It can be tempting to strike back at the bully, but retaliation often makes the situation worse. It can escalate the conflict and potentially get you in trouble as well. Stay focused on protecting yourself and ending the harassment, rather than trying to get revenge.
13. Consider temporarily deactivating your accounts.
If the bullying is severe and affecting your daily life, it might be worth temporarily stepping away from the platforms where it’s occurring. Deactivating your accounts for a period can give you a break from the stress and potentially cause the bully to lose interest. Use this time to rebuild your confidence offline.
14. Educate yourself about online safety.
Take steps to beef up your overall online security. Learn about privacy settings, two-factor authentication, and safe online practices. Being more knowledgeable about digital safety can help you prevent future incidents and feel more confident navigating online spaces.
