CYBERBULLYING: What is it and why do people do it?

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can be defined as bullying and online abuse that takes place in a digital environment. It can happen to anyone in places where content is consumed, interact with, or

shared. This can be via texting, email, social media apps, game chats, and more.

 

Here are some of the most common forms of cyberbullying:

 

1. Sending hateful messages or threats. This can be done primarly through text messages, social media messages, or email. 

2. Posting embarrassing photos or videos. This could be done without the person's consent, or it could be done by taking something that was originally posted privately and sharing it publicly.  Depending on the nature of the content these acts have potential criminal consequences. 

3. Spreading rumours or lies. This could be done online or in person. Creating fake accounts or impersonating someone is often linked to this. These can enable harassment and the spread of rumours. 

4. Excluding someone from online groups or activities. This could be done by blocking them on social media or by not inviting them to participate in online games or activities.

So…why do people cyberbully?

 

Stopbullying.gov reports a number of factors that can influence bullying behaviour.  These can include having less involved parents, being less involved in education, and depression or anxious. Bullies often reflect their own emotions onto their victims and exploit vulnerabilities to take out their anger. 

 

In our next post we will discuss how cyberbullying impacts victims and what steps people can take to stop cyberbullying. 

Follow our other platforms at: https://linktr.ee/brosnotbullies

 

 

 

SOURCES: 

https://www.endcyberbullying.net/why-do-people-cyberbully#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20bullies%27%20behavior%20usually,it%20hard%20to%20follow%20rules.

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/all-about-bullying/prevalence-and-impact-bullying/prevalence-online-bullying#:~:text=Ofcom%20research%20(2022)&text=Their%20latest%20study%20into%20children's,to%2Dface%20(61%25).