What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to intentionally and repeatedly causing harm to someone in the cyberspace, making it difficult for them to defend themselves. Cyberbullying can occur one-on-one, in groups, or publicly. The cyberbully may also remain anonymous.
Examples include sending threatening messages and hurtful comments, creating and spreading derogatory images or videos, engaging in rude or exclusionary behavior in online games and forums/groups, creating fake accounts, and spreading someone else's personal information for malicious purposes, etc.

Cyberbullying harms everyone involved.

The victim may experience stress, anxiety, depression, intense emotions, withdrawal, as well as difficulties coping, concentrating, learning, and with relationships. Cyberbullying cannot be escaped; it follows everywhere. It can leave scars for life.

The bully may feel a temporary sense of power, but also peer pressure to continue bullying and anxiety about potential consequences. Evidence of cyberbullying remains. Bullies also tend to have more difficulties with managing emotions, communication skills, and learning. Bullies have a higher risk of future criminal behavior.

Bystanders may experience increased stress and anxiety, insecurity, and guilt for not knowing how to react, as well as fear of becoming victims themselves.

CYBERBULLYING MAY BE A CRIME, and the perpetrator may face punishment ranging from fines to imprisonment. Creating fake accounts may constitute unlawful use of another person's identity. Withholding embarrassing information for money or other financial gain is considered extortion. Distributing someone else's images without permission is a violation of copyright. Seek further information from the web police!

If you are being cyberbullied:

• Block the bully;
• Inform the administrator of the communication platform about the bully's activity (report);
• Copy or save the hurtful posts to use them as evidence in a criminal case if needed;
• Talk to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, KiVa team, lasteabi etc.) to get help and advice.

If you have been cyberbullying:

• Stop the bullying behavior;
• Delete all harmful material to prevent further harm;
• Try to make amends for the harm done;
• Talk to a trusted adult who can help reduce the damage caused by bullying.

If you have noticed cyberbullying:

• Do not spread the bullying content any further;
• Let the perpetrator know that bullying is not okay;
• Collect information as evidence;
• Talk to a trusted adult;
• Inform the victim if the bullying is happening without their knowledge and offer support;
• Support the victim even if the bullying continues, so they don't feel alone.

Read more: www.suurimjulgus.ee (EST), www.targaltinternetis.ee/en (ENG)
Source: www.kiusamisvaba.ee (EST)