Do your part to stop cyberbullying

Sweaty palms, elevated heart rate, a sick feeling the pit of your stomach and a feeling like you just can’t face the day. This is the way bullies could make can make someone feel when they cross our path or when they zero in on us.

With changes to the way we interact with one another, like social media and other online communities, the effects of bullying can now follow us wherever we go, even when the bully is far away. This is cyberbullying – and no one should have to deal with it.

That’s why we’re shining a light on this issue on World Stop Cyberbullying Day. At Optus, we want you and your family to feel confident and safe online. To help build a more inclusive internet, we’ve put together a guide on how to do your part to stop cyberbullying and help keep your loved ones safe.

Know it when you see it

At its heart, cyberbullying is the use of technology to bully a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically. But what does that mean? In a world where technology is constantly changing and new communication platforms are always emerging, it can be hard to tell. 

Often when people hear the term “cyberbullying” they might think of someone sending mean comments and messages to get under another’s skin, spreading embarrassing rumours about someone in a social media post or sending them threatening comments. But cyberbullying can encompass a whole lot more.

For instance, did you know that account hacking can be cyberbullying? If someone gets hold of your social media password and hacks into your profile, pretending to be you perhaps to unnerve you or cause humiliation, you’d be the victim of cyberbullying. 

Did you know that someone tagging you in a private photo, or one taken without permission can be cyberbullying? Sometimes this is done as a put-down intended to damage the persons’ confidence and standing within a peer group. 

The message doesn’t have to spread to a large number of people to be considered cyberbullying; through an abusive or embarrassing post or comment. Cyberbullying can also take place when a ‘roasting’ in a private group chat goes too far and crosses the line. Equally, cyberbullying can take place if someone is saying nasty things about you in a group chat that you’re not a part of or creating a situation using a chat or group that makes you feel excluded or hurt.

Keep your mind and eyes open when you consider cyberbullying. There are more examples than you might think and none are okay.

Look for the signs

Combatting cyberbullying is all about safety in numbers. An important line of defence against cyberbullying is looking out for our friends and family and helping them recognise and deal with it when it’s taking place. Often, cyberbullying victims aren’t aware of just what’s taking place or might be too ashamed to speak out. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of cyberbullying.

Those experiencing cyberbullying might start spending less time with family and socialising less with friends and family. They might even drop out of school or stop coming to regular activity.  This could be cause by loss of self-esteem or confidence.

They might avoid being online or become anxious when they receive a notification as they’re fearful of what might be coming their way.

They might just be feeling (seemingly inexplicably) anxious, sad, embarrassed, angry or physically sick.

Everyone is different and deal with things differently, but these are just a few signs to look out for.

Know how to respond to cyberbullying

First and foremost, if you think that a friend or family member is being cyberbullied, open up and talk about your concerns. Let them know that you’re there for them and that what they are experiencing it not their fault. Reassure them that help is at hand (see Know where to go for support and help). If they’re not ready to speak about their experience, you could suggest do a favourite activity together and check up on them from time to time. 

Conversely, if you find yourself the victim of cyberbullying, it’s do your best to stay calm in the moment, avoid reacting or retaliating and keep evidence of the bullying such as screenshots. If you can, respond to the bully and let them know that what they’re doing is not okay. You can also report the incident to the online platform you are using and block, unfriend or unfollow the bully, or leave the group. Most importantly, open up to someone. This could be a friend, family member or someone that you trust, and know that help and support aren’t far away.

Know where to go for support and help

Beyond Blue, Kids helpline and Reachout.com can help you manage what you are going though.

Office of the eSafety Commissioner can help you get abusive comments removed from online platforms.

If you have been threatened or feel unsafe, call the police on 000.

How Digital Thumbprint can help

Want to learn more about how to protect your families digital wellbeing? We've put together a checklist to help you protect your family online.

Our Digital Thumbprint program provides learning modules which aim to build resilience, awareness and self-worth among our young people.

You can learn more and download factsheets tailor-made for teachers and parents: https://www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/parent-resources/