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Often the bully or cyberbully’s goal is to get a reaction. They want a reaction from you, and a reaction from others. When bullying or cyberbullying happens, walk away or leave the online conversation. You may want to block the person, too.
For bullying to be stopped, it needs to be reported. Social media websites allow you to report and block cyberbullies. Evidence is key when reporting. Collect facts. Save messages. Take screenshots.
Reach out to someone you trust. This could be a parent, a family member, a counsellor, a teacher, an elder, or a police officer. If you are in immediate danger—for example, receiving threats or are being exploited sexually—contact someone you trust or emergency services as soon as possible. Contact information for some emergency services are listed on the back page.
If you have concerns about how you are being treated online, it’s a good idea to talk to someone you trust.
This is especially true if:
When confronting a person who is cyberbullying, create a plan. Ensure that all the important facts are collected. Develop a step-by-step program for how that person will be approached.
Remember: A trusted adult can give you guidance on how to approach a person bullying or cyberbullying.
If someone is being cyberbullied, be supportive! Let them know you are there for them. They don’t have to deal with this alone. To help, you can:
Generally, if your friend asks you not to tell anyone, check with them before talking to somebody else about the problem. They trusted you, and they might not feel comfortable involving anyone else.
However, do not hesitate to talk to a trusted adult if you think someone’s safety or well-being is at risk. This includes such situations as when threats are being made, or intimate images are being shared.
If you are unsure, it is always best to talk to a trusted adult.
Students who witness others being bullied often feel:
“Remaining silent could be misinterpreted as approval by both the person cyberbullying and the victim.... Don’t wait, and don’t tell yourself it’s none of your business. You don’t want to be looking back on this moment years from now, wishing you’d done or said something.”
- Canada Public Safety
