What are examples of cyberbullying?
Definition
Cyberbullying is bullying that happens on phones, computers and tablets: sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about someone, including their private information.
- Category
- Attacks
- Also called
- online bullying, electronic bullying
- Last updated
StopBullying.gov, the US government's anti-bullying site, defines cyberbullying as bullying over digital devices. It can happen by text and in apps, or online on social media, forums and games where people can see, join in or share content.
Common examples
From the government's definition, cyberbullying includes:
- sending, posting or sharing mean, harmful or false content about someone
- sharing personal or private information about someone, which causes embarrassment or humiliation
- repeated hurtful messages by text, direct message, chat or email
- targeting someone in online forums, message boards or gaming communities
The most common places are social media, text and messaging apps, instant and direct messages, forums and chat rooms, email and online gaming.
Where it crosses into crime
Some cyberbullying is unlawful. StopBullying.gov says to report to law enforcement when it involves threats of violence, sexually explicit messages or photos (and anything involving children), photos or video taken where someone expects privacy, stalking or hate crimes. Some states treat other forms as criminal too.
Why it's hard to escape
The site flags three traits. It's persistent, because devices let it reach someone around the clock. It's permanent, because most online content stays public unless it's reported and removed. And it's hard to notice, since parents and teachers rarely see it happen.
Cyberbullying vs. doxxing and cyberstalking
Sharing someone's private details to embarrass them overlaps with doxxing. Repeated, threatening contact that makes someone fear for their safety is closer to cyberstalking. One incident can be all three.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Don't reply and don't forward
StopBullying.gov advises against responding to or forwarding the messages.
- 2
Keep evidence
Record dates, times and descriptions, and save screenshots, emails and text messages. You'll need them to report it.
- 3
Block the person and report on the platform
Most platforms have a reporting tool, and cyberbullying often breaks their terms of service. Report to phone and internet providers too.
- 4
Report crimes to police
Threats, stalking, explicit images of a child and similar acts belong with law enforcement. Tell the school as well if it involves a student.
- 5
Limit what strangers can find about you
Home address and phone number listed on people-search sites make harassment easier to escalate. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is cyberbullying a crime?
Sometimes. Threats of violence, sexually explicit content, stalking and hate crimes are crimes. Other behavior may break platform rules or school policy. State laws vary, so check yours.
How common is cyberbullying?
StopBullying.gov cites the 2022 School Crime Supplement, where about 21.6% of bullied students ages 12 to 18 reported being bullied online or by text, and the CDC's 2023 survey, where an estimated 16% of high school students were electronically bullied in the past year.
Where can I report it?
To the platform where it happened, to your phone or internet provider, to the school if students are involved, and to law enforcement if it involves threats or other crimes.
Sources
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