I’m being bullied online
Bullying is when someone else is doing something intentionally to hurt us.
If you’re being bullied online, on social media, through messaging apps or in a game, it might feel like there’s no escape. It can make you feel upset, lonely and humiliated. You may be finding it difficult to tell someone about it.
But whatever has happened, online bullying can be stopped and it is never your fault. Bullying can take many forms including:
- Teasing and name calling to try and upset the other person
- Leaving someone out of a group on purpose, this can be in group chats or in online games
- Spreading rumours, gossip or lies to make another person look bad
- Pretending to be someone else online (impersonation) so that they can share nasty or embarrassing things online without people knowing who’s doing it (anonymously)
Are you being bullied on the internet?
Here are some things you can do if you’re being bullied online
- You should tell an adult you trust, such as your parent, carer, another family member or a teacher. They will support you and help you make it stop.
- You can call Childline – they have a number that’s free to call 0800 1111, or you can speak to a Childline counsellor online.
- Talk to a friend or if you don’t want to talk to someone you know, you can post messages and get advice on Childline’s Message boards.
- Block the bullies – most websites will let you block people to stop them from being able to contact you. You can find out how to do this at the Think U Know website.
- Keep any nasty emails, text or web pages, so that you can show someone what’s been going on then they’ll know how best to help you.
- Report mean videos, pictures, comments or pages to the website you’ve found them on. You can find out how to do this on the Think U Know website.