Cyber Bullying: What It Is, How It Happens, and How To Stop It

Out of the many issues that we face in the digital world, cyber bullying demands special attention. There’s no denying the fact that we spend a lot of time on phones and internet devices today. Quite naturally, harmful behaviour has also found its way through these channels. Cyber bullying occurs when an individual uses digital platforms to harm or embarrass another person repeatedly. Bullies often do this because they feel like they are anonymous or do not have to face the real-world consequences of their actions.

The issues are faced by students in school circles and social media, by teens on apps they use in their daily lives, and even by adults when discussing in the workplace or on public platforms. The awareness of cyber bullying and the necessity of cyber security is the initial step towards stopping it and creating safer online spaces for everyone.

What Is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber bullying is the repetitive and harmful action that is carried out through phones, computers, and other digital gadgets. It involves sending abusive messages, the dissemination of false information, sharing private content without consent, or even attacking an individual publicly online.

Cyber bullying tends to cause emotional distress, frighten or humiliate. Posting negative remarks on the photos of an individual repeatedly or trolling the person is one of the examples of cyber bullying. Another one is sharing edited images to mock someone in a group chat. These are some instances that should not be counted as harmless jokes.

Common Cyber Bullying Tactics

Cyberbullies use different strategies based on the platform and the situation. Some of the most common ways to do this are:

• Harassment– Sending several threatening or rude messages to the victim in order to overwhelm him or her.

Example– If a person receives repeated abusive texts late at night, then they should consider this to be online harassment.

• Fake Profiles– It involves the creation of impersonation profiles to spread rumours or share malicious information.

Example– A false account that shares embarrassing information about someone to defame that person.

• Trolling– Leaving provocative or offensive remarks to make someone react emotionally.

Example– When a person gets deliberately insulting opinions in the comment sections of their post.

• Public Shaming– Posting personal messages, photos, or errors publicly.

Example– If someone shares screenshots from private chats to embarrass an individual on an online platform.

• Threats– Intimidating or threatening messages to harass or frighten a person.

Example– Someone getting frequent warnings of harm, death threats, or rape threats if they speak up publicly.

All of these fall under cyber harassment and can have serious consequences.

Where Cyber Bullying Happens Most

Some of the online spaces are more vulnerable to bullying due to a high level of engagement, visibility of people or lack of moderation.

1. Social Media and Messaging Apps

Instagram, Facebook, and messaging apps are some of the typical platforms of cyber bullying on social media. Bullies can easily target someone repeatedly or include others through posts and group discussions. Victims are often exposed for longer than necessary due to the obligation to maintain connections.

2. Online Games and Gaming Chats

Live chat gaming platforms might also turn into target hotspots of online bullying. Players can insult other players during the matches or attack people according to their performance, gender, or background. In most cases, it is challenging to report on the spot due to the speed at which it happens.

Forbes says that 19.2% of kids in India are bullied on social media and other online platforms, while 7.9% are bullied in video games.

Effects Of Cyber Bullying

The effects of cyber bullying go beyond the screen. The victims are always believed to drag the emotional load in their day-to-day lives.

Emotional and Mental Health Impact

The repeated exposure to the harmful messages may result in anxiety, sadness, and low self-esteem. Some of the victims are helpless as the bullies follow them everywhere through their gadgets. Over time, such effects of cyber bullying can lead to depression or sleeping disturbances.

Impact On Studies, Work, and Social Life

Fear of online interactions may make the students lose focus on their studies. Working adults may also struggle with productivity if harassment happens in professional spaces. Social withdrawal is common, where the victims keep themselves away from online and offline activities in order to secure themselves.

Signs You or Someone Else Is Being Cyber Bullied

Early detection of signs of cyber bullying may prevent further damage. A few of the common warning signals include:

• Sudden mood changes after using a phone or computer
• Becoming secretive about online activity
• Not using social media or removing the accounts abruptly.
• Having withdrawal feelings towards friends, family or normal activities.
• Facing trouble during sleeping or increased stress

These signs should be considered by parents, friends, and teachers. They should provide assistance on using AntiFraud practices without being judgmental.

What To Do If You Are Experiencing Cyber Bullying

If you are facing cyber bullying, taking the right steps against cyber crime can help you regain control:

1. Block the bully on the platform to stop direct contact.
2. Report the account using the platform’s reporting tools.
3. Save documents such as screenshots, messages, and URLs.
4. Protect your accounts with new passwords and privacy policies.
5. Install a strong antivirus software to remain safe and secure on online platforms.

Understanding how to stop cyber bullying begins with knowing that you are not alone and help is available.

Staying Safe Online with the Right Digital Protection

Prevention plays a major role in reducing risk. Simple and safe online habits, such as not sharing personal information and using high privacy settings, can make a significant difference. It is important to be conscious about who can see your posts and get in touch with you. Using reliable tools for security for mobile devices, like Quick Heal, adds another layer of protection.

The awareness of the trends in cyber crimes is to enable users to be alert. Safe online activities by individuals and families can be facilitated by investing in cyber security practices, as well as trusted antivirus software.