Is It Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying tactics include:

• Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful, or embarrassing

• Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves

• Posting a mean or hurtful picture or video

• Pretending to be someone else online in order to solicit or post personal or false information about someone else

• Posting mean or hateful names, comments, or content about any race, religion, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics online

• Creating a mean or hurtful webpage about someone

Cyberbullying can occur through text, social media, forums, or gaming platforms where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying can be relentless, increasing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. Some forms of cyberbullying can cross the line into criminal activity.  

Learn more about how you can help prevent cyberbullying.
 

Other Resources for Identifying Bullying and Cyberbullying 

• If you know someone in serious distress or danger, don’t ignore the problem. Get help right away.

• Watch the video: “Is it Cyberbullying?”

• Download our “How to Prevent Cyberbullying” guide for parents, caregivers, and youth to learn how to:

  • Document

  • Report

  • Support

• Solutions to bullying are not simple. Bullying prevention approaches that show the most promise confront the problem from many angles.

• In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Education released the first federal definition of bullying.

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