What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that happens in the digital world. It can happen on social media, messaging apps and gaming platforms. Cyberbullying involves repeated actions meant to scare, anger or shame the person being targeted, such as:
- Spreading lies about someone or posting embarrassing photos or videos of them on social media.
- Sending hurtful, mean, or threatening messages, images or videos through messaging apps.
- Pretending to be someone else and sending mean messages to others using their name or through fake accounts.
Sometimes, face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can happen together. But the difference with cyberbullying is that it leaves a digital record. This can be helpful because it provides evidence that can be used to stop the abuse and protect those who are being targeted.
Five ways to help your teen navigate cyberbullying
1. Think before you post
Teach the impact words and actions can have, the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, and that what is posted online stays online forever.
2. Open communication
Encourage your teen to have open and honest conversations with you or another trusted adult without any fear or judgement.
3. Set clear boundaries
Establish what privacy settings will be non-negotiable. Teach them to not share any personal information and where and when they can be on their devices.
4. It’s ok to unfollow, block and delete
Teach your teen the importance of knowing when to unfollow, restrict or block someone on social media and how to use privacy settings effectively. Refer to our Privacy page for more information.
5. Empower them to report
Encourage your teen to seek help from a trusted adult and show them how to report cyberbullying on different platforms.
How teens view their online world
Teens view online spaces as essential for connecting and maintaining friendships. They go there to express themselves and explore their interests.
75%
of teens aged 15 to 17 know what to do when they see someone get bullied online (2024 UNICEF Australia Report).
68%
of teens aged 12 to 17 blocked abusive users to keep themselves safe online (2023 study by the University of Sydney).
Where to go for help or advice
If you want the cyberbullying material removed, you should report it to the social media or gaming platform. If you report serious cyberbullying to the platform and they don’t take it down, the eSafety Commissioner can ask them to remove the harmful content.
eSafety Commissioner
