October marks National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States, with October 7, 2024, globally recognized as the 18th annual World Day of Bullying Prevention. Whether you dedicate a day or the entire month to awareness, shining a light on bullying, especially online bullying, is vital to protecting students’ mental and emotional well-being.
The consequences of cyberbullying are deeply troubling. It’s been strongly linked to anxiety, depression, declining academic performance, and in severe cases, even suicide. According to a study published by JAMA Network Open (June 27, 2022), there’s a documented association between cyberbullying and suicidality in early adolescence.
How Common Is Cyberbullying?
The Youth Right Now survey paints a sobering picture:
- 4 in 10 students (ages 9–18) reported being bullied on campus in the past year.
- Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said they were victims of cyberbullying.
- Alarmingly, 38% of bullied students never reported the abuse to an adult.
These statistics highlight the importance of vigilance, awareness, and proactive strategies from parents, educators, and caregivers.
Why Is Cyberbullying Harder to Detect?
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying happens in digital spaces—text messages, social media, games, group chats, and anonymous platforms. This makes it harder to notice and easier for the bullying to go unnoticed for long periods.
Knowing the 10 types of cyberbullying can help you recognize warning signs and respond more effectively.
Top 10 Types of Cyberbullying You Should Be Aware Of
1. Social Exclusion
Social exclusion involves deliberately excluding someone from group chats, events, or online conversations. It’s a subtle yet hurtful tactic, especially when it’s made visible to the victim.
2. Harassment
Harassment includes repeated and intentional abuse, whether through texts, emails, or posts. If the victim belongs to a protected group (race, religion, gender, disability, etc.), it may also be considered discriminatory harassment under legal definitions.
3. Outing or Doxing
Outing (or doxing) is when someone shares private, personal, or embarrassing information, such as private messages, photos, or secrets, without consent, intending to shame or hurt the victim.
4. Trickery
Trickery adds deception to the outing. The bully gains the victim’s trust, encouraging them to share personal details, only to expose them publicly later. It’s emotionally manipulative and deeply violating.
5. Cyberstalking
Defined by the Cyberbullying Research Center as actions that cause fear or concern for personal safety through digital means. Examples include:
- Threatening messages
- Sextortion using compromising photos
- Online tracking or surveillance
- Posting harmful threats on public platforms
Cyberstalking is a federal crime in many jurisdictions.
6. Fraping
“Fraping” (from Facebook + Raping) occurs when someone hacks into a social media account and posts humiliating or damaging content. Though sometimes intended as a prank, fraping with malicious intent is considered serious digital abuse.
7. Masquerading
Unlike fraping, masquerading involves creating a fake profile to impersonate someone. The bully may send offensive messages or post harmful content while pretending to be the victim, often ruining reputations or friendships.
8. Dissing
Dissing refers to the act of spreading harmful, false, or mean-spirited messages about someone to ruin their image or relationships. This often comes from someone who knows the victim personally, such as a classmate or ex-friend.
9. Trolling
Trolls intentionally provoke others by posting offensive or inflammatory comments. While some trolls act for amusement, others aim to inflict emotional harm—making it a direct form of cyberbullying when targeted.
10. Flaming or Roasting
This involves direct verbal attacks, often using profanity or insults in public spaces like forums or comment sections. The goal is to intimidate, embarrass, or publicly shame someone in front of an audience.
What Can Schools Do to Stop Cyberbullying?
Preventing cyberbullying takes more than just awareness, it demands active intervention and real-time tools. Schools can play a crucial role by:
- Educating students and staff about digital safety
- Encouraging reporting without fear of retaliation
- Monitoring online activity with ethical AI tools
- Providing mental health support to those affected
Many schools are turning to innovative technology solutions that detect early signs of online harassment. If you’re an educator or administrator, consider how your school is handling online safety.
Need Help? You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you know is facing cyberbullying, resources are available.
Visit StopBullying.gov for expert advice, reporting tools, and support services for both victims and families.
Key Takeaways
- Cyberbullying is rising and affects mental health, academic success, and emotional safety.
- Understanding its many forms, from doxing to fraping, can help parents and teachers intervene early.
- Students often stay silent, making it vital for adults to stay vigilant and informed.
- Schools must take a tech-savvy approach to detect and stop cyberbullying before it escalates.
Read Also: How to Use Google Classroom Effectively in K–12 Education
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most common type of cyberbullying?
Harassment is the most frequently reported form, often involving repeated, aggressive messages on social media or messaging platforms.
2. How can you tell if a child is being cyberbullied?
Look for signs like withdrawal from social interaction, reluctance to go to school, sudden changes in device usage, or emotional distress after being online.
3. Is cyberbullying illegal?
Yes, certain types, like cyberstalking, doxing, or sextortion, are considered crimes and can lead to legal consequences depending on local laws.
4. What should schools include in their anti-cyberbullying policies?
Clear definitions, reporting procedures, prevention education, and consequences for offenders should all be outlined.
5. How can parents protect their children from cyberbullying?
Open communication, privacy settings, monitoring digital behavior, and educating kids about online risks are essential prevention tools.