Cyberbullying isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always look like name-calling or direct threats.
Sometimes, it’s subtle.
It’s silence after you speak in a group chat.
It’s people laughing at a joke that wasn’t technically about you.
It’s watching your words get twisted and posted.
But here’s the truth: if it feels personal, if it stays with you, if it makes you second-guess your voice, then yes, it’s cyberbullying.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is any form of repeated, intentional harm that happens through digital communication, text messages, social media, group chats, or even gaming platforms.
It includes:
- Exclusion and social manipulation
- Spreading rumors
- Sending or threatening to share private content
- Harassment, intimidation, or repeated mockery
- Public shaming, especially on social media
This kind of bullying doesn’t end when the screen goes dark. It can affect sleep, concentration, school attendance, and emotional well-being.
How to Deal With Cyberbullying (In a Real Way)
You’ve probably heard the usual advice: block, report, log off.
And yes, those tools help. But most people need more than a tech fix. Here’s how to deal with cyberbullying in a way that addresses the emotional side too:
1. Acknowledge It
If you feel hurt, isolated, or targeted, you don’t need to justify it. You’re allowed to name what’s happening without downplaying it.
2. Don’t Shrink
You don’t need to stay in harmful group chats. You don’t owe anyone silence. Leaving a space that doesn’t respect you isn’t overreacting, it’s self-respect.
3. Find a Safe Person
Whether it’s a friend, teacher, counselor, or parent, talk to someone who listens without judgment. Cyberbullying can make you feel small. Talking about it can help you feel seen again.
4. Use the Tools, but also Trust Your Gut
Report posts and block users if needed. But also trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it just because it’s “online.”
5. Reclaim Your Space
Curate your feed. Choose what kind of energy you let in. Post what feels right for you—not what makes others comfortable.