Cyberbullying & Digital Safety
Digital spaces should be safe spaces. Learn to recognize, report, and stop online abuse.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology — smartphones, social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps — to bully, harass, threaten, humiliate, or stalk another person. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can follow victims everywhere, reach a massive audience instantly, and persist permanently in digital records. It can feel inescapable in a way that traditional bullying often does not.
Cyberbullying disproportionately affects young people — research shows 59% of US teens have experienced online harassment — but adults are also targeted, particularly in workplaces and public-facing roles. It is directly linked to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. This is not trivial. It is not “just online.” The harm is real, and the response must be real too.
Forms of Cyberbullying
Online harassment takes many forms — some obviously harmful, others more subtle and insidious.
Harassment
Repeatedly sending offensive, threatening, or degrading messages through texts, DMs, comments, or emails. The relentless nature of digital harassment makes it feel inescapable.
Doxxing
Publishing someone's private information — home address, workplace, phone number, or identifying details — without consent, often to incite harassment from others.
Cyberstalking
Persistent monitoring of someone's online activity, location, or accounts. May escalate to real-world stalking and threats, and is a crime in many jurisdictions.
Impersonation
Creating fake profiles or accounts to impersonate someone — used to humiliate, deceive others, or send harmful content under the victim's identity.
Exclusion & Ostracism
Deliberately excluding someone from online groups, chats, or games; coordinating others to ignore or isolate a specific person. A digital extension of social bullying.
Sextortion
Threatening to share intimate images or information unless demands are met. A serious crime with severe psychological consequences. Report immediately to police and the platform.
59%
Teens experience cyberbullying
Source: Pew Research
90%
Don't tell a parent
The vast majority of cyberbullying victims suffer in silence
Source: i-SAFE Foundation
#1
Online safety concern for parents
Cyberbullying tops parental concerns about children's internet use
Source: Pew Research
41%
Feel unsafe online
Source: Pew Research
Signs Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied
Many children hide cyberbullying out of shame or fear of losing access to devices. Know what to look for.
Becomes visibly upset, anxious, or angry after using devices
Suddenly stops using devices or apps they previously enjoyed
Hides their screen or becomes secretive about online activity
Withdraws from friends, family, or social activities
Seems depressed or anxious without clear explanation
Has trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Avoids school or social events they used to enjoy
Makes comments suggesting hopelessness or low self-worth
Digital Safety Tips
Proactive digital hygiene reduces your exposure to cyberbullying and online harassment.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
Review privacy settings on every platform regularly
Think before posting — nothing digital is truly private
Screenshot evidence before blocking a harasser
Block and report abusers immediately
Turn off location sharing with non-trusted contacts
Never share passwords with anyone except a trusted parent
Be skeptical of friend requests from people you don't know
Google yourself periodically to check what is publicly visible
Use a separate email address for public-facing accounts
Trust your instincts — if something feels unsafe online, it is
How to Report on Major Platforms
Every major platform has reporting tools. Using them creates a record and can result in removal of content or accounts.
Tap the three dots on any post, comment, or message → Report. To report an account: visit the profile → three dots → Report. You can also restrict or block from the same menu.
TikTok
Press and hold any comment → Report. For videos: tap the share arrow → Report. For accounts: visit the profile → three dots → Report. Content can be removed within 24 hours.
Snapchat
Press and hold on a message → Report Snap. For profiles: tap the username → ⁝ → Report. You can also report My AI or Lenses through the in-app Safety Center.
YouTube
Click the three dots next to any video → Report. For comments: click the three dots beside the comment → Report. For channels: About tab → Flag icon. YouTube reviews reported content.
Discord
Right-click any message → Report Message. For users: click the username → three dots → Report. You can also submit abuse reports at discord.com/safety. Include server details.
Click the three dots on any post or comment → Find support or report. For profiles: click the profile → three dots → Find support or report. Facebook reviews most reports within 48 hours.
For serious threats, criminal behavior, or content involving minors, contact law enforcement directly and preserve all evidence before reporting to the platform.
Step-by-Step Response
If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, follow these steps in order.
Don't Respond — Document First
Do not engage with the bully. This typically escalates the behavior. Instead, screenshot everything — messages, posts, profiles — before blocking or reporting.
Block the Harasser
Block the person on every platform where they are contacting you. Most platforms also allow you to restrict or mute without them knowing.
Report to the Platform
Use the platform's official reporting tools (see guide above). Include all evidence. For severe harassment, escalate to the platform's Trust & Safety team.
Tell a Trusted Adult or Authority
Report to parents, school officials, or HR depending on the context. For threats of harm, sexual content involving minors, or stalking, contact law enforcement.
Seek Emotional Support
Cyberbullying causes real psychological harm. Talk to a counselor, therapist, or the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). You do not have to process this alone.
Common Questions About Cyberbullying
Related Programs
Stay Informed. Stay Safe.
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Digital Safety is Real Safety
Online harm has real-world consequences. Know the tools, report the abuse, and reach out for support.