This week is anti-bullying week. As a young people’s mental health charity who specialises in tech we are particularly concerned about cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is when technology is used to send messages or images intended to embarrass, harass, spread rumours, threaten, and hurt a person.

Bullying is wrong in whatever format it is carried out in. So here are some tips to protect yourself from cyberbullying.

  1. Tell a trusted adult or call Childline 080011 11
  2. Keep evidence of the messages. Don’t delete anything.
  3. Show a record of the messages to the trusted adult you report what’s happening to.
  4. Don’t forward any messages on to show how terrible the person sending it is.
  5. Resist the temptation to retaliate or fight back.
  6. If you can, report the incident to administrator of the website. Most social media apps have a cyberbullying report centre. You can also report abuse to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Centre).
  7. Being cyberbullied can make people feel bad about themselves. Be kind to yourself and remember that it’s the bully who is wrong not you. Self-worth is not defined by people who seek power and hurt others, it’s defined by the way you think about yourself and the steps you take to look after yourself.
  8. If you have been experiencing a mental ill health difficulty, then cyberbullying may make your symptoms worse, for example increased anxiety, low self-worth, or low mood. Check out stem4 apps Clear Fear, Worth Warrior, and Move Mood to help stabilise and manage feelings and seek help and support from a mental health professional.
  9.  If the cyberbullying takes the form of sharing your naked photograph, stop blaming yourself for sending your photo to someone you trusted at the time. Remember, the greatest learning is to get back up after you fall. Be proud of your strength.
  10. Sharing naked pictures of someone who is under 18 is a crime, report the bullies to school safeguarding or the police.
  11. Surround yourself with supportive friends. Do things together you enjoy and make sure you notice how they value you.
  12. There are many sources of support. They include people in your family, school resources, your GP, Childline (0800 11 11) The Mix (0808 808 4994)
  13. Cyberbullying might take some time to stop. Don’t give up, keep reporting it until it does.
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