Common types of cyberbullying
- Harassment: Sending offensive or threatening messages.
- Cyberstalking: Repeatedly intimidating or threatening someone.
- Denigration: Spreading false or defamatory content.
- Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else maliciously.
- Exclusion: Deliberately excluding someone from online communities.
- Doxing: Sharing personal information, photos, or videos without consent.
Other types of cyberbullying
- Online shaming: Publicly humiliating someone.
- Trolling: Provoking reactions for amusement.
- Catfishing: Creating fake online personas
- Fakes and deep fakes: Distributing AI-generated or photoshopped images.
For more information on bullying, you can read about bullying and harassment at work.
Cyberbullying platforms
When people think about cyberbullying, they may immediately think of social media. But there are many places where cyberbullying can occur, including:
- Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky.
- Email: Unsolicited messages to someone’s inbox.
- Text messaging apps: WhatsApp, Snapchat.
- Online forums: Reddit, discord, Mastodon? 4chan
- Gaming platforms: PSN, Xbox, Twitch and MMORPG.
- Gaming communities: Multiplayer games like Fortnite and Roblox.
Cyberbullying data and statistics
The impact of cyberbullying on mental health
Cyberbullying can leave people feeling alone, worthless, sad, and angry. It can cause people to withdraw socially. It can lower a person’s self-esteem and lead to devastating consequences.
People who are bullied may be at greater risk of experiencing anxiety, depression and thoughts about suicide.
Signs of cyberbullying
SubIf you’re worried that someone you know is being cyberbullied, here are some signs to look out for. They may:
- not want to go to school, work, or social activities
- not performing as well at school or work
- not have many friends or stop hanging out with friends
- Not spending time doing activities they used to do
- be more sad, sensitive, or anxious than usual
- be more quiet or secretive than usual
- experience angry outbursts
- complain about headaches, stomach aches, or other physical problems
- have trouble sleeping
Cyberbullying prevention
Nobody deserves to be cyberbullied. That’s why several groups and organisations around the world are trialing various programs to tackle it, like banning smartphones at schools.
Cyberbullying governance
In Australia, the federal government is rolling out an Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act. This legislation, introduced in 2024, bans Australians under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
Other global authorities are also exploring ways to address the negative impacts of social media on mental health. Some of these are through:
Other global authorities are also exploring ways to address the negative impacts of social media on mental health. Some of these are through:
- the development of anti-cyberbullying laws
- ongoing research and monitoring
- implementing parental controls and age restrictions
- increasing access to education so that parents are better informed
- putting pressure on social media companies to take more responsibility.
At Beyond Blue, it’s our view that governments should continue to invest in high-quality, evidence-based social media literacy resources that are tailored to younger users. We also believe that social media companies must be held responsible for their users’ safety.
How to start a conversation about cyberbullying
If someone you care about is being bullied, it can be hard to chat with them about it. They might try to hide what’s happening or feel ashamed and afraid. Often, they just want the bullying to stop without confronting the issue or drawing attention to it.
If you’re unsure how to start a conversation with someone about cyberbullying, or they get angry and defensive, try to stay calm. Step back and think about how you could approach the topic differently next time in the hope of getting a better response.
If you’re unsure how to start a conversation with someone about cyberbullying, or they get angry and defensive, try to stay calm. Step back and think about how you could approach the topic differently next time in the hope of getting a better response.
How parents can talk to their child about cyberbullying
Talking to your child about cyberbullying can be confronting or uncomfortable.
As a first step, it can help to model positive, respectful and inclusive behaviour. This encourages them to act in these ways. It also helps them feel safe speaking up when something is wrong.
If you suspect cyberbullying is taking place, here are some things you can do.
As a first step, it can help to model positive, respectful and inclusive behaviour. This encourages them to act in these ways. It also helps them feel safe speaking up when something is wrong.
If you suspect cyberbullying is taking place, here are some things you can do.
