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How to Deal with Cyberbullying: Tips for Teens

You probably know the words "hater", "troll" and "cyberbullying". All because the Internet opens up the opportunity for people to seem "tough", bully others and get away with it. Of course, you understand that such behavior is unacceptable and must be dealt with. But if you have experienced cyberbullying, you should talk about it to a trusted adult. To understand when cyberbullying must be reported, it's important to know which types of online bullying exist. Hopefully you won't encounter this problem, but better safe than sorry.

Boycotting: Being ignored or cut off from social media. For example, if you're excluded from a school group.
Harassment: Regular threats, unpleasant questions or blackmail. When threats are sent online or you are forced to do something against your will, for example, by threatening to spread a rumor or photo.
Trolling: Ridicule through insults. When you are ridiculed in a group, or hurtful things are said, or names are called. No one has the right to humiliate a person, and it is your right to complain about offenders and defend yourself. Make sure you do this with the support of an adult.
Outing: Releasing one’s personal information without permission. Today, with the development of artificial intelligence, anything can be faked, or your personal information may be stolen. It is illegal to use personal information without someone's consent.
Dissing: Publishing information that could damage someone's reputation. It's almost the same thing: for example, when your photo is used for online advertising.

What to Do If You Are Being Harassed Online?

Here are some tips on how to deal with cyberbullying and protect yourself online.

Don't React Emotionally: one of the main ways that cyberbullies try to achieve their goals is by eliciting an emotional response from their victims. Remember that being calm and confident is your strength. Try not to react to provocations or engage in conflict. In other words, trolls and haters should be ignored! They are just waiting for your reaction to immediately come down on the “victim” and attack you. The more indifferent you are, the faster they'll leave you alone. But beware: this method only works for trolling, in case of any other types of cyberbullying you must tell an adult immediately.

Keep Evidence: If you encounter cyberbullying, save all posts, comments or other material that can be used as evidence. This will help you and your parents or teachers understand the problem and take action. In other words, screenshot everything! Many messengers allow correspondence to be deleted unilaterally, so if you decide to complain there may be no evidence left.

Seek Help from Adults: Don't hesitate to share your problems with adults, such as your parents, teachers or school counsellors. They can help you understand the situation and suggest strategies for dealing with the problem. Important: If you feel embarrassed, scared or uncomfortable talking about your online problems, you can always contact an anonymous helpline, and they will be able to advise you on what to do.

Use Privacy and Blocking Settings: Many social networks and messengers offer privacy and blocking features that allow you to restrict access to your profile or prevent you from receiving messages from certain users. Use these features to protect yourself from cyberbullying. In other words, block and don't be shy!

Get Support from Friends: Tell your friends and family about the problem. They can support you and help you feel less isolated. You can also work together on strategies to deal with cyberbullying.

Inform: If you experience cyberbullying at school, don't hesitate to report it to the administration or school counsellor. They are obliged to take steps to protect you and others from such behavior.

I hope you will never need to use these tips, but it is still better to know about ways to combat cyberbullying - perhaps you will be able to help someone else cope with this problem.