Cyberbullying is bullying that happens through technology, phones, games, apps, texts, group chats, or websites. Being mean online can still hurt people.
How does it happen? Through mean messages, spreading rumors, leaving hurtful comments, sharing embarrassing pictures, leaving someone out of a group chat, or pretending to be someone else.
Watch for warning signs that something is wrong: getting upsetting messages, repeated teasing or mean comments, feeling worried or nervous about checking your phone, being left out or ignored, rumors spreading fast, or someone using fake accounts.
It can really hurt: hurt feelings, stress and worry, fear, loss of confidence, trouble at school, damaged friendships, and even staying away from devices.
How do we stay safe? Don't join in, don't like, share, or reply to mean behavior. Save the evidence with screenshots. Block the bully and report it. Tell a trusted adult. Use privacy settings. And support others, checking in and being kind makes a big difference.
Here is a real example. A kid gets a mean message in the class chat. They feel upset, so they tell a trusted adult, who helps. They block the sender and report it, and they get help and feel better. You are not alone.
Remember: be kind online, don't bully, get help early, and you are never alone.
What to remember
- Cyberbullying is being mean or hurtful online.
- It can happen on phones, games, apps, and chats.
- Don't join in, block, save, and tell a trusted adult.
- Be kind, get help early, and you are not alone.
Words to know
- Cyberbullying
- Using technology to be mean, hurtful, or unfair.
- Block
- To stop someone from contacting you.
- Report
- To tell the app or a grown-up about it.
- Trusted adult
- A safe grown-up who can help.
For grown-ups
Cyberbullying is repeated, harmful behavior carried out through digital tools, messaging, social media, games, and group chats. Because it follows kids home and can spread fast, the response is the same online and off: don't engage, preserve evidence (screenshots), block and report, and loop in a trusted adult early. Kindness and support are protective.
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