Understanding Cyberbullying
Here you will learn what cyberbullying looks like, how to discuss it with your child, and what to do if your child is experiencing cyberbullying.
Click on the images below to download the complete sheet in PDF format.
Fact Sheet
What is Cyberbullying?
This infographic highlights key elements of cyberbullying and outlines common cyberbullying behaviours.
- Intention of Harm: Cyberbullying type of aggression aimed at causing harm and emotional distress
- Repetition: It repeats over time, (e.g., sending the same message to different group chats)
What Does Cyberbullying Look Like?
Hurtful communication
- Flaming or bashing (i.e., verbal attacks using insults, bigotry, or other hostile expressions)
- Teasing/belittling/name-calling
- Rumour-spreading
- Denigration (i.e., negative, untrue statements about another).
- Harassment (i.e., repetitive offensive texts)
- Cyberstalking (i.e., stalking someone online by repeatedly harassing and threatening them through communications)
Public humiliation
- Cyber‐smearing (i.e., creating, posting and/or distributing sensitive, private and/or
embarrassing information or image. - Creating derogatory websites that mock, torment, and harass the intended victim.
- Outing and trickery (i.e., soliciting personal information from individuals and sharing it online with others)
- Rating aspects of an individual (e.g., appearance, character) on a rating site.
Deceiving & Isolating
- Impersonation (i.e., using the online identity of someone else, usually by hacking their account, and then spreading offensive information using that identity, catfishing)
- Exclusion (i.e., being excluded from online communities or blocked from online activities)
Where Does Cyberbullying Happen?
- Chatrooms
- Groupchats
- Websites
- Emails
- Text Messaging
- Phone Calls
- Social Media
- Online Games
Research shows that venue use for cyberbullying varies with age and the most common technology used by that age group.
- Among elementary school students, gaming platforms are frequent venues where cyberbullying occurs
- Among middle school students and college students, social media is a common means where
cyberbullying occurs
Signs of Cyberbullying
Parents should stay attentive to any unusual patterns of behaviour as they may signal that your child is a target, bystander, perpetrator or even involved in multiple roles in cyberbullying. Here are some warning signs!
- Using technological devices more frequently and for longer periods than usual.
- Loss of interest in daily activities they usually enjoy.
- Concealing and acting secretive about online activities.
- Stop using technological devices or social media unexpectedly
- Avoiding social activities and school.
- Mood changes; withdrawn, frustrated, persistent sadness, distress, low energy levels, changes in sleeping and eating patterns and indicators of selfharm.
- Upset or visibly distressed when using electronic devices.
- Social withdrawal from peers and family.
Please note that these behaviours do not necessarily indicate your child is experiencing cyberbullying, but they may signal a need for support. This factsheet is for educational purposes and may not include all possible signs.
Kids Help Phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca
Text: 686868
Call: 1-800-668-6868
Cybertip
https://www.cybertip.ca/en/
NeedHelpNow
https://needhelpnow.ca/en/
PREVNet
https://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/cyberbullying/whatparents-can-do/
Bullying Canada
https://www.bullyingcanada.ca/what-should-parents-know-about-bullying
Tip Sheet
Tips to help you understand and discuss cyberbullying with your child!
TIP 1: Start with the basics!
When discussing cyberbullying with you it’s important to first make sure your child understands what cyberbullying is. You can start by sharing this definition with them:
- “Cyberbullying is when someone is mean or hurts another person’s feelings online, and they keep doing it over and over again on purpose.”
- A way to start the conversation: “Do you know what cyberbullying is? Can I tell you more about it.”
TIP 2: Spot it to stop it!
Helping your child understand the different types of cyberbullying behaviours can make it easier for them to recognize when they’re experiencing it.
Examples:
- If someone leaves hurtful comments under your child’s
Instagram photo,that’s a form of VerbalAbuse. - If your childwas a part of a class group chat, butthen they
were removed and not allowed to rejoin,this is Exclusion. - If someone shares embarrassing pictures of your child,
without permission,this is a form ofVisualViolence. - If someone hacks your child’s TikTokaccount and starts
posting strange content,that’s considered Impersonation
TIP 3: It is NOT a joke!
Help your child understand that cyberbullying is not a harmless joke, it can seriously hurt someone’s feelings. Tell them: “Even if you can’t see the person, they still have feelings, just like you do!”
TIP 4: Know where it shows up!
Cyberbullying can appear in different places. Here are some places to keep an eye out for and step in when needed.
- In text messages
- In emails
- In gaming chat rooms
- In social media apps
What cyberbullying is NOT!
- Setting boundaries or blocking someone.
- Accidentally hurting someone’s feelings online but apologizing after.
- Choosing not to respond to messages or ending an online conversation politely
Remember
Let your child know that being a bystander comes with power; they can choose to Support, Report, or Comfort someone being hurt online.
I think my child is being cyberbullied...
This is a not an easy situation to be in. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind as you navigate this with your child.
- A child who has experienced cyberbullying may be dealing with a lot of complex emotions, including low self-esteem. Remember to show them they are loved and valued through both your words and actions.
Examples: “It’s okay to tell me”, “Thank you for sharing this with me” or even, giving them a hug. - Make sure your child is aware it is not their fault.
- Keep a record of any cyberbullying incidents. If the bully involved attends the same school, consider arranging a meeting with the school for support and creating a safer environment for all children.
- Report the incident directly on the platform where it occurred, as cyberbullying violates the terms and conditions users agree to when signing up.
- Block the individual(s) to cut off communication
- If needed, speaking with a mental health professional could be helpful for your child.
KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!
There are legal consequences to cyberbullying in Canada. Cyberbullies can have their devices taken away, have to pay their victims and may even face jail time in severe situations.
For more information, use the link provided below.
Disclaimer: As laws may change, we recommend checking the most recent legal guidelines.
This information is evidence based. Click here for a complete list of resources!