Family Information Service

Bullying advice and support for parents

Online Bullying (Cyberbullying)

Cyberbullying is bullying that occurs online. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can follow a young person around. This could be on social networks, mobile phones and gaming.

Cyberbullying could include:

  • Sending threatening or abusive messages
  • Shaming someone online
  • Sending explicit messages (also known as sexting)
  • Pressuring someone into sending inappropriate images or conversations
  • Encouraging self-harm
  • Creating fake accounts of someone/hijacking their account to embarrass that person or cause trouble in their name

Cyberbullying can take many forms and more than 1 type of cyberbullying can happen at the same time. This could also be alongside normal bullying as well.

The NSPCC has lots of information available about cyberbullying and online abuse.