How To Deal With Cyberbullies

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Don't let cyberbullies push you around, being nasty and spreading rumors about you online. Learn how to fight back against tormentors who hide behind a computer screen.

Step 1: Ignore them
Ignore them. This is a really difficult thing to do when someone is saying terrible things to you and about you. But by refusing to show that you’re upset, you take all the bullies’ fun away.

Step 2: Block them
Block your tormentors. Not being able to reach you will frustrate the heck out of them.

Tip
If you’re not sure who is harassing you, an organization called Wired Safety can help you identify them.

Step 3: Contact the internet provider
Contact the bullies’ internet provider and file a formal complaint. The bullies won’t be laughing when their internet access is cut off!

Step 4: Get your parents involved
If you know the kid or kids responsible for taunting and/or threatening you, tell your parents. We know you don’t want to be a tattletale, but your parents can inform the bullies’ parents that they will be held responsible if the bullying doesn’t stop.

Tip
Tell your parents to send the letter by certified mail so your family will have proof that the bullies’ parents were aware of what their kids were doing. If necessary, threaten to involve an attorney.

Step 5: Call the police
Call the police. You may have a case against the bullies if they make physical threats and/or racial taunts, or if they post lewd pictures of you. At the very least, the cops might make your tormentors wet their pants.

Step 6: Stand up for others
Help stop cyberbullying in general by refusing to participate in it yourself. If you’re sent an embarrassing picture of a classmate, don’t forward it. Tell bullies how much their actions hurt others. Remind them that kids have actually killed themselves over online taunts.

Step 7: Google yourself
Google yourself periodically. It’s a good way to monitor what’s being spread about you in cyberspace.

Did You Know?
More than a third of 12- to 15-year-olds say they have been victim to some form of cyberbullying.