Cyber-bullying involves using digital technology, such as the Internet and mobile phones, to harm others. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are common channels for cyberbullying.

This issue has become a public health concern, with the prevalence of cyber-bullying doubling over the years. In countries like the United States and Canada, 59% of teens report experiencing online bullying or harassment. As internet usage increases, so does cyber-bullying. Research often focuses on the effects on victims, with less attention given to coping strategies, prevention methods, and guidance for those who engage in cyber-bullying.

Cyberbullies frequently use social media, wellness apps, gaming platforms, and other online spaces. Some use more personal channels like email, texting, or direct messaging.

Five main factors often characterise cyber-bullying: the intent to cause harm, repeated behaviour, power imbalances, anonymity, and public exposure.

Intention to harm

Cyberbullies typically aim to cause harm when they engage in online bullying. However, bullying can occur unintentionally if the victim perceives actions as harmful.

Repetition

Repetition is a crucial aspect of cyber-bullying, involving repeated actions by the bully. Additionally, content shared online can persist beyond the original post due to sharing and reposting by others, mainly concerning personal information or photos used for cyber-bullying.

Power Imbalance

Another defining characteristic of bullying is the presence of a power imbalance between the victim and the bully. This discrepancy in power can arise from factors such as the bully's more excellent status, wealth, popularity, talent, etc. Cyber-bullying can be particularly severe and persistent, leaving the victim with limited control over stopping the harassment.

Anonymity

Certain cyberbullies leverage anonymity to perpetrate bullying from behind their computer screens. In these instances, there doesn't necessarily need to be a power imbalance between the bully and the victim, opening the door for anyone to become a bully. Anonymity enables bullies to unleash a heightened level of cruelty that might not arise if others knew their identity.

Publicity

Additionally, cyber-bullying may incorporate the element of publicity. Cyber-bullying is particularly evident when individuals opt to publicly humiliate or shame someone, which can have significant repercussions, primarily if it occurs in a public forum with the capacity to reach a broad audience.

Forms of Cyber-bullying

Here are the different types of cyber-bullying:

• Flaming (or Roasting): Using inflammatory language or insults to provoke a reaction.
• Outing: Sharing personal or embarrassing information about someone online, often on a large scale.
• Trolling: Posting content or comments to incite chaos or division, often by making offensive remarks.
• Name Calling: Using offensive language to address others.
• Spreading False Rumours: Creating and disseminating untrue stories about individuals online.
• Sending Explicit Images or Messages: Sharing explicit content without consent.
• Cyber Stalking/Harassing/Physical Threats: Repeatedly targeting individuals with stalking, harassment, or threats online.
  
  

Why Do People Cyberbully?

Several factors can contribute to individuals becoming cyberbullies.

Mental Health Issues

Cyberbullies might grapple with mental health challenges that exacerbate or contribute to their behaviour. The behaviours include issues like aggression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and substance abuse.

Furthermore, individuals exhibiting traits akin to the "dark tetrad" - psychopathy, Machiavellianism, sadism, and narcissism - may be prone to cyber-bullying. Such individuals often disregard social norms, display low levels of empathy, and engage in bullying to assert power or boost their self-esteem.

Victims of Bullying

Some cyberbullies adopt the role of bullies after being victims of cyber-bullying themselves. This shift may stem from a desire to regain control or retaliate against their initial tormentor. They may perceive their options as limited to either bullying or being bullied without realising there's an alternative path.

Result of Conflicts or Breakups

Cyber-bullying between individuals who were once friends or in a relationship can be sparked by conflicts or the deterioration of their bond. This form of cyber-bullying may be fuelled by feelings of anger, jealousy, or a desire for revenge.

Boredom or Trying Out a New Persona

Some individuals may resort to cyber-bullying out of boredom or curiosity to experiment with different personas online. This tendency is more common among young adults or teenagers who are still shaping their identities. Typically, this form of cyber-bullying involves anonymity.

Loneliness or Isolation

Cyberbullies might also include individuals grappling with feelings of isolation or loneliness within society. If they perceive themselves as being overlooked or disregarded by others, they may resort to lashing out in order to garner attention and alleviate their distress or to express their frustration towards society.

Why People Become Cyberbullies?

While some individuals exhibit bullying behaviour both in face-to-face interactions and online, others solely engage in bullying in the digital realm. This raises the question: why would someone resort to online bullying when they wouldn't do so in their offline lives? There are several potential explanations for this phenomenon.

Non-Confrontational & Anonymous

One reason why individuals might engage in online bullying when they wouldn't do so in their daily lives is due to the unique characteristics of the Internet. Online, individuals can bully others while maintaining complete anonymity, a feature not available in traditional forms of bullying.

Moreover, online bullying can be conducted in a non-confrontational manner, especially if it's done anonymously. This allows cyberbullies to leave hurtful comments and quickly move on without having to face any immediate consequences or responses.

No Need for Popularity or Physical Dominance

In real-life bullying scenarios, perpetrators often possess some form of advantage over their victims. This advantage could stem from physical size, popularity, or a power imbalance.

However, in the realm of cyber-bullying, anyone can assume the role of a bully. There's no prerequisite for physical dominance or popularity. Thus, individuals seeking to engage in bullying behaviour can readily do so online, irrespective of their status in their offline lives.

No Barrier to Entry

Just as there's no requirement for dominance or popularity, the barrier to becoming a cyberbully is shallow. Anyone with internet access can participate. Online, the definition of friendship is often broad, facilitating an environment where bullying can occur with ease.

No Feedback From Victim

Another reason why individuals who refrain from bullying in real life might engage in cyber-bullying is the absence of immediate feedback from their victims. Unlike face-to-face interactions, cyber-bullying often occurs over a prolonged period, as there is typically less direct response from the victim and fewer repercussions compared to in-person encounters. Consequently, someone who would generally observe the impact of their actions on a victim in real life and cease their behaviour may not exhibit the same restraint in the realm of cyber-bullying.

How Cyber-bullying Differs From In-Person Bullying?

In instances of cyber-bullying, victims often find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse and harassment without any means of escape. Unlike real-life interactions, online bullying persists without respite, as the Internet operates around the clock.

This unyielding nature of cyber-bullying can leave victims feeling helpless, especially when personal information is shared or when derogatory content about them goes viral. Such bullying can persist for prolonged periods, exacerbating the distress experienced by the victims.

Effects of Cyber-bullying

Understanding the potential effects of cyber-bullying on victims can aid in identifying signs of online abuse. These effects, often more intense than those of traditional bullying due to the inability to escape the situation, may include:

• Distress and anxiety
• Increased depression and mood swings
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Heightened fearfulness
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Anger, irritability, or outbursts
• Decline in academic performance
• Strained relationships with family and friends
• Symptoms of post-traumatic stress
• Self-harm behaviours
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Substance abuse

Characteristics of Victims

Here are some common characteristics of cyber-bullying victims:

• Teens and young adults are the most vulnerable.
• Girls are more likely to be targeted in instances involving spreading false rumours and receiving explicit images.
• Individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender are often targeted.
• Those who are shy, socially awkward, or struggle to fit in may become victims.
• People from lower-income households are at higher risk.
• Constant internet users are more susceptible to cyber-bullying.
• Even public figures and individuals with large social media followings can become targets.

How to Deal with a Cyber Bully

Dealing with cyber-bullying requires a multifaceted approach, whether you're a child, an adult, or a parent of a bullied child. Cyber-bullying can stem from various sources, including classmates, chatroom users, gamers, family members, or anonymous internet trolls, and its severity can range from mildly annoying to severely threatening. Here's how to address it effectively:

For Victims

1. Seek Help: Reach out to a trusted adult, such as parents, teachers, or school administrators. In severe cases involving threats, involving the police may be necessary.
2. Document Everything: Save all forms of communication from the bully, including emails, texts, images, and links. Take screenshots if required.
3. Avoid Engagement: Refrain from responding to the bully, as it may encourage further harassment.
4. Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers, or financial information.
5. Remember It's Not Your Fault: Understand that being targeted by a cyberbully is not your fault, and don't let guilt or embarrassment deter you from seeking help.

For Parents

1. Educate Your Child: Instruct your child not to engage with the cyberbully and to document instances of bullying.
2. Report to School: Inform teachers, principals, or school administrators about cyber-bullying. If necessary, involve law enforcement in severe cases.
3. Offer Support: Reassure your child that they're not to blame for the bullying and provide emotional support.

For Adults

1. Keep Records: Save evidence of cyber-bullying, such as messages or comments, and consider blocking the perpetrator from your social media.
2. Take Action: Address the source of the cyber-bullying, whether it's a colleague, supervisor, family member, or online contact. Seek assistance from HR and family members or utilise privacy settings to block the perpetrator.
3. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals for emotional support and guidance.

For Community

1. Provide Mental Health Resources: Implement mental health resources to support victims of cyber-bullying, especially children and teens who may struggle to cope with the emotional impact.
2. Promote Social Rejection: Foster a culture where cyber-bullying is socially rejected, diminishing its appeal to bullies seeking status or approval.
3. Establish School Protocols: Ensure schools have protocols in place to swiftly address cyberbullying, providing immediate support to affected students and their families.

By adopting a comprehensive approach that involves support from individuals, institutions, and the broader community, we can work towards preventing and addressing the harmful effects of cyber-bullying effectively.