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Cyberbullying is bullying that’s done through the use of technology, for example, using the internet or a mobile phone to hurt, harass or embarrass someone.

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Cyberbullying can happen anywhere kids can connect. Apps that allow users to remain anonymous, such as Kik Messenger and Yik Yak, have been linked to high-profile cyberbullying cases. But plenty of cyberbullying happens over text, over instant-messaging, and in social media comments. It can even happen in online games.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter

SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices

Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)

Email

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20% of children and young people indicate fear of cyber bullies made them reluctant to go to school

5% reported self-harm

3% reported an attempt of suicide as a direct result of cyber bullying

Young people are found to be twice as likely to be bullied on FB as any other social networking site.

28% of young people have reported incidents of cyber bullying on Twitter

26% of young people have reported incidents of cyber bullying on Ask.fm

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok

Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices

Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet

Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit

Email

Online gaming communities

Special Concerns

With the prevalence of social media and digital forums, comments, photos, posts, and content shared by individuals can often be viewed by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content an individual shares online - both their personal content as well as any negative, mean, or hurtful content - creates a kind of permanent public record of their views, activities, and behavior. This public record can be thought of as an online reputation, which may be accessible to schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and others who may be researching an individual now or in the future. Cyberbullying can harm the online reputations of everyone involved - not just the person being bullied, but those doing the bullying or participating in it. Cyberbullying has unique concerns in that it can be:

Persistent - Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.

Permanent - Most information communicated electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and removed. A negative online reputation, including for those who bully, can impact college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.

Hard to Notice - Because teachers and parents may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to recognize.

Laws and Sanctions

All states have laws requiring schools to respond to bullying. As cyberbullying has become more prevalent with the use of technology, many states now include cyberbullying, or mention cyberbullying offenses, under these laws. Schools may take action either as required by law, or with local or school policies that allow them to discipline or take other action. Some states also have provisions to address bullying if it affects school performance. You can learn about the laws and policies in each state, including if they cover cyberbullying.

Frequency of Cyberbullying

There are two sources of federally collected data on youth bullying:

The 2017 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year, 15% were bullied online or by text.

The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.7% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

See also " Frequency of Bullying."

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.

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Cyber bullying affects people from any age or walk of life, including children, teens and adults

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Have trouble sleeping

Loss of appetite

Have trouble concentrating

Feel down

Find it hard to cope

Have trouble with school work

Feel physically sick

Feel hopeless or powerless

Feel alone, sad, angry or confused

Feel unsafe or afraid

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Someone who bullies another person might:

Feel jealous

Want others to like them

Want to feel better about themselves

Want to fit in with their friends

Feel angry inside

Like to be in control or have power over others

Have been bullied themselves

Not know what they're doing is wrong

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With mobile technology being so freely available it is an ongoing issue and one that is relentless.  Not only does it go on after school, college or work has finished, but it then carries through into the next day and the cycle continues.

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Here are some ideas:

Keep your distance from bullying

Don’t bully them back

Tell them what they are doing is not ok

Talk to an adult you trust

Take time to do something nice for yourself

Have someone help you report cyberbullying or assault