Are You Being Bullied?

Cyberbullying Victim Statistics

  • Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. 1 in 4 has had it happen more than once.
  • Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
  • Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
  • About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than 4 out 10 say it has happened more than once.
  • Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.

Advice for Victims of Cyberbullying

  • Don’t respond/Engage. If someone bullies you, remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you. Who wants to empower a bully?  If there is an isolated incident where you are being bullied, don’t respond to the instigator. Cyberbullies who do not get a response from their target may just move on.  They are looking for a response—don't give it to them! 
  • Don’t retaliate. Getting back at the bully turns you into one and reinforces the bully’s behavior. Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression.   Be the bigger person and never retaliate against a cyberbully. Retaliation only further perpetuates the cycle of violence, and does nothing to solve the problem. Plus, if  you retaliate you could get into trouble for what you are doing or saying to them! 
  • Tell them to stop. For repeated bullying, if ignoring the bully doesn’t work, tell them to stop. Let them know that what they are doing is hurtful and, more importantly, lame and uncool. Be respectful in approaching them and never come off in an aggressive manner.
  • Save the evidence/Keep a Record. The only good news about digital bullying is that the harassing messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. You need to do this even if it’s minor stuff, in case things escalate.
  • Talk to a trusted adult. You deserve backup. It’s always good to involve a parent but – if you can’t – a school counselor usually knows how to help. Sometimes both are needed. If you’re really nervous about saying something, see if there’s a way to report the incident anonymously at school.
  • Block the bully. If the harassment’s coming in the form of instant messages, texts, or profile comments, do yourself a favor: Use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it’s in chat, leave the “room.”

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