Cyberbullying definition
Cyberbullying refers to bullying that takes place through digital technologies. It commonly occurs on social media, forums and in gaming where people can participate and share content. Cyberbullying can take on many forms — from posting, sending, or sharing harmful, false, or negative content about someone to exposing their private information to cause humiliation.
Where cyberbullying can occur
- Social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.)
- Online forums and chats
- Instant messaging
- Online games
Examples of cyberbullying
- Harassment. Text messages, social media posts, comments, and threatening emails are sent to make the person feel embarrassed or ashamed of themselves.
- Impersonation. Someone pretends to be the person they’re attempting to shame, embarrass, or hurt. This can be done by hacking into someone’s social media profile, “catfishing” to trick someone into a relationship, or making a fake profile using the target’s name.
- Other types of cyberbullying. Taking degrading (e.g., nude) photos of a person without their consent and sharing them with others, sharing personal information about the person that could cause them to feel unsafe, or physically bullying someone and getting someone to record it are other forms cyberbullying can take.
