What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying  is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through text messages and apps, 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. It is a repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted. Sometimes it crosses the line into criminal behavior. Since the 2000s, it has become increasingly common, especially among teenagers, due to their increased use of social media.

Examples of cyberbullying:

The causes of cyberbullying

1. Lack of empathy

2. Desire for power and control

3. Revenge

4. Peer pressure

5. Seeking entertainment

6. Lack of knowledge about appropriate online behavior

7. Low self-esteem 

The impact of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying  can have serious impacts on individuals, organisations and communities.

It is likely to create difficult and unsafe environments in organisations, like school, work, etc.

Victims can experience significant social isolation and feel unsafe. 

It can lead to emotional and physical harm, loss of self-esteem, feelings of shame and anxiety, constant fear, concentration and learning difficulties.

In the case of a bully, it can contribute to the increase of antisocial or criminal behaviour and abusing in other contexts.