What is cyberbullying?
If someone is being harassed, ostracised, insulted or ridiculed by one or more people over a long period of time through emails, messenger messages or social media posts, this is known as cyberbullying.
Bullying can also happen offline, e.g. by spreading rumours or lies.
Cyberbullying can take different forms, such as sending embarrassing pictures, messages or videos via WhatsApp, Snapchat or Instagram. Sometimes fake profiles are created to spread untruths about a person, and "hate groups" are set up on social media to humiliate a person.
Sometimes videos are sent showing how the person being bullied is humiliated or beaten; this is known as "happy slapping". This is where cyberbullying mixes with offline bullying. If people who were not initially involved in the bullying episode like and share videos, they become accomplices, and intensify the humiliation of the person affected many times over.
Cyberbullying often takes place in schools and workplaces. Often it is not about a specific conflict, but about dynamics that often occur within groups. Generally speaking, only a handful of people are actively involved in the bullying. The perpetrator(s) are encouraged and get approval for their actions if insulting or embarrassing posts get ‘likes’ and are shared.
Even just watching without taking part is a form of bullying.
When bullying acts are distributed in an uncontrollable way, this makes it seem even worse, not to mention more threatening. The role that bystanders in a group play should not be underestimated: even if they do not actively play a part in the bullying, their silence gives the perpetrators the feeling they are acting in their interests as well.
Since it is common for more than one person to take part in the bullying, and they tend to take on different roles, it is particularly difficult for those affected to fight it alone. This makes it all the more important to get support from the outside.
Possible consequences
The perpetrators are often unaware of the repercussions their actions can have for those affected, or indeed of the potential legal consequences. Cyberbullying has nothing to do with having fun, but may in fact constitute a criminal offence.
Cyberbullying can have serious consequences for those affected. Particularly when bullying lasts a long time, those affected often withdraw, become insecure and develop general mistrust of other people. This can lead to loneliness and depression or even suicidal behaviour.
This makes it all the more important to act promptly and seek help, either within your own private network or at a counselling centre.
