What are some of the most common cyberbullying methods?
Common methods of cyberbullying include:
- Posting mean or hateful comments about someone's race, religion, or other personal traits
- Pretending to be someone else to share false information or ask for personal details
- Making fake profiles to spread mean comments or content
- Spreading mean rumors online that are hurtful or embarrassing
- Creating hurtful webpages about someone
- Threatening someone or telling them to harm themselves
- Sharing someone’s private information online, known as “doxing"
- Doxing is a serious form of harassment. It usually happens as revenge. It exposes personal details like addresses, social security numbers, and phone numbers.
How to report cyberbullying
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
- Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
- Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
- Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
- Online gaming communities
If you or someone you know is facing cyberbullying, it’s important to report the behavior.
If someone is cyberbullying on any of the websites, apps, or games below, learn how to report it on each platform:
How adults can help youth who experience cyberbullying
Be a trusted adult:
- Engage in open talks about mental health, social media, and bullying. Share your experiences if you can. Youth see trusted adults as listeners, not lecturers.
- Ask questions. Provide support and encouragement. Youth often feel unsure about their talents and social skills. Trusted adults help boost their confidence in sharing themselves.
- Be a role model. Youth look up to trusted adults who have traits and interests they admire and want to develop.
- Discuss bullying with other adults. Families, caregivers, and teachers may not know all the digital media kids use. More platforms mean more chances for cyberbullying. Talk to caregivers about staying aware online and handling cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying resources
- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides information on bullying prevention and intervention, offering schools, families, and community partners access to resources to address bullying
- StopBullying.gov shares information on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying
- Internet Safety 101 helps parents, educators, and other adults understand internet dangers. It covers topics such as predators, cyberbullies, and threats from online gaming and social media
- The Cyberbullying Research Center shares current information on the nature, extent, causes, and effects of cyberbullying among teens
- The Bullying Prevention Program provides tips for caregivers, educators, friends, and community groups. These tips aim to help create a supportive school environment that works together to stop bullying
Mental health and bullying
Learn how bullying impacts mental health in children and teens. Discover tools and support options to help young people heal and grow stronger.
What teens can do to prevent bullying
Bullying is a serious issue, but teens have the power to make a difference. Learn what you can do to make people who are bullied feel safe.
Bullying research and statistics
Learn more about bullying across the state of Massachusetts. Understanding the prevalence, causes, and impact of bullying is key to creating safe, supportive environments for all youth.