What is online bullying?
Online bullying (cyberbullying) is repeated, hurtful behaviour toward someone using digital technology: messages, posts, photos, games, or group chats. Unlike playground bullying, it can follow you home, happen at any hour, and be seen by many people.
Harassment & name-calling
Insults, threats, or cruel messages sent directly or in group chats.
Spreading rumours
Sharing lies or private information to damage someone’s reputation.
Sharing images without consent
Posting or forwarding someone’s photos, including intimate ones. This can be illegal.
Impersonation
Making fake accounts or hacking profiles to embarrass or trick someone.
Exclusion
Deliberately kicking someone out of chats, games, or groups to hurt them.
Stalking & monitoring
Constantly checking where someone is and who they are with, or tracking them online.
The facts
A 2022 Pew Research Center survey of US teens aged 13 to 17 found that 46% had experienced at least one type of cyberbullying. Here is how often each kind was reported:
Source: Pew Research Center, “Teens and Cyberbullying 2022.” Percentages are of US teens; experiences vary by country.
Why it matters
Research links cyberbullying to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, trouble at school, and in some cases thoughts of self-harm. Targets often feel they cannot escape because the bullying travels with them on their phone. Bullying can also hurt the person doing it and those who watch it happen.
Signs someone may be being bullied online
Seeming upset after using their phone, suddenly avoiding devices or school, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from friends, or becoming secretive about their accounts.
Why do people do it?
Reasons include wanting status, copying friends, feeling anonymous, or having been bullied themselves. None of these is an excuse, and the behaviour can change with support and accountability.
If it’s happening to you
You are not alone and it is not your fault. Take these steps at your own pace.
- Don’t reply or retaliate. A reaction is often what the bully wants, and it can make things worse.
- Save the evidence. Take screenshots with dates, usernames, and links before anything is deleted.
- Block and report. Use the platform’s report tools, then block the account and tighten your privacy settings.
- Tell someone you trust. A parent, teacher, friend, or counsellor. Talking really does lighten the load.
- Get specialist help. If content won’t come down or you feel unsafe, contact the services below.
If you see it happening
Bystanders have real power. Bullying often loses its audience when someone speaks up.
Don’t join in
Don’t like, share, or comment on hurtful posts.
Check in privately
Message the target to say you’re on their side.
Report it
Use the platform’s tools and tell a trusted adult.
Speak up safely
If it feels safe, calmly say it’s not okay. If not, support the target instead.
Test yourself: is it bullying?
Twelve quick scenarios. Choose an answer and you’ll get an explanation straight away.
Get help
These services are free. If you are in immediate danger, call 111 (New Zealand emergency services).
Online harm help and takedown support.
đź“ž 0508 638 723
netsafe.org.nz
Support for young people.
📞 0800 376 633 · 💬 text 234
youthline.co.nz
Free call or text, 24/7, to talk with a trained counsellor.
đź“ž / đź’¬ 1737
24/7 support.
📞 0800 543 354 · 💬 text 4357
Outside New Zealand? Search for your country’s child helpline or cyberbullying service. In the US, you can call or text 988 for crisis support.