See something? - Say Something!
Anyone who makes threats to you on the internet could be committing a criminal offence. It's against the law in the UK to use a phone or the internet, to cause alarm or distress. If threats are made against you then it's essential you confide in your parents, or someone you trust so that they can make a complaint to the police.
Online bullying & intimidation
There are many forms of bullying someone online and for some it can take shape in more ways than one. Some types of online bullying include:
Exclusion – This is when others intentionally leave someone out of a group such as group messages, online apps, gaming sites and other online activities. This is also a form of social bullying and is very common.
Harassment - This is the act of sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages and being abusive. Nasty or humiliating comments sent by phone or on posts, photos and in chat rooms. Being explicitly offensive.
Denigration – This is when someone may send information about another person that is damaging and untrue. Sharing photos of someone for the purpose of ridicule, or spreading fake rumours and gossip.
The effects
Cyber bullying affects people from any age or walk of life, including children, teenagers and young adults. It can make a person feel very distressed and alone when being bullied online. Cyber bullying can make a person feel totally overwhelmed which can result in feeling embarrassed that they are going through such a devastating time, and not knowing what support is available to them.
Think about what you share and If you see something – say something!