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Cyberbullying: Types, Impacts, and How to Protect Yourself

Published 2 May 2026 · 2 min read · by Alex Stevens

How should we explain this?

Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet or texts to be mean to you — spreading rumours, sending nasty messages, or sharing embarrassing photos. It can really hurt, but you can protect yourself by keeping your social media private, thinking before you post, and telling a trusted adult if it happens. You're not alone, and there's always help available.

Imagine waking up to find someone has shared an embarrassing photo of you in a group chat without your permission. You don't know how many people have seen it, and the messages keep coming. That's cyberbullying — and it's more common than most people realise.

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that happens online or through digital communication. It can involve social media, text messages, instant messaging, or email. The goal is usually to harass, intimidate, embarrass, or humiliate someone.

Jump to: Types  |  Impacts  |  Checklist

Types of cyberbullying

  • Direct attacks: The bully targets you openly — with insults, threats, or harmful comments sent straight to you.
  • Indirect attacks: More hidden. The bully damages your reputation or relationships by spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or getting you excluded from online groups.
  • Trolling: Posting deliberately offensive or provocative comments on forums or social media to upset or provoke people.
  • Catfishing: Creating a fake online identity to deceive, manipulate, or exploit someone emotionally or financially.
  • Cyberstalking: Repeatedly harassing, threatening, or intimidating someone online — causing ongoing distress, anxiety, and fear.
A little more detail: Catfishing and cyberstalking are the types people are least familiar with. Catfishing often starts with what feels like a genuine friendship or romance — the deception can go on for months. Cyberstalking goes beyond a one-off nasty comment; it's a pattern of behaviour designed to make someone feel unsafe.

The impact of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can have real and lasting effects. It helps to know what to look for — both in yourself and in people around you.

What you might notice in yourself What you might notice in others Low self-esteem, anxiety, or low mood Becoming quieter or more withdrawn than usual Increased risk of suicidal thoughts Reluctance to use their phone or go online Withdrawing from friends, school, or work Drop in school or work performance Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach aches, fatigue Seeming upset or anxious after being online

Your checklist

Use this checklist to protect yourself and others from cyberbullying.

  • Learn to recognise the main types of cyberbullying

    Direct attacks, indirect attacks, trolling, catfishing, and cyberstalking — knowing what to look for helps you spot it early.

  • Check and tighten privacy settings on all social media platforms

    Limit who can see your profile, posts, and personal information. Takes a few minutes per platform.

  • Think before sharing anything online

    Avoid posting personal details or anything that could be used against you — once it's online, it's hard to remove.

  • Block and report cyberbullying when you see it

    Use the platform's built-in tools to block the person and report the behaviour. Most platforms take reports seriously.

  • Ask for help if you or someone you know is being targeted

    Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You do not have to deal with it alone.

What to do next

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  • Start with the platform you use most; set aside 10–15 minutes per account.

  • Keep a dated record in case you need to report it to the platform or authorities.

  • Have their contact details ready so you know who to reach out to immediately.

  • You do not need to stay connected to people who are unkind or make you feel unsafe.

Being a good bystander

If you see someone else being targeted online, don't stay silent. A kind message to the person being bullied, or a report to the platform, can make a real difference. Treating others with respect online — and encouraging those around you to do the same — helps make digital spaces safer for everyone.

Cyberbullying is not something you have to put up with. Recognising the signs, knowing your options, and reaching out for support are all important steps in the right direction.

Trusted references

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying comes in several forms: direct attacks (insults or threats sent straight to you), indirect attacks (spreading rumours or sharing embarrassing content to damage your reputation), trolling (deliberately offensive comments posted to provoke a reaction), catfishing (a fake identity built to deceive or exploit), and cyberstalking (a sustained pattern of harassment designed to cause fear). Recognising these types helps you spot it early and know what to do.
What are the effects of cyberbullying on mental health?
Cyberbullying can cause low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. It may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, lead to social withdrawal and isolation, and affect school or work performance. Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue can also occur. These effects can be real and lasting.
What should I do if I or someone I know is being cyberbullied?
Start by taking screenshots of the messages or posts — do this before you do anything else, so you have a record. Then block the person responsible and report them to the platform. Most platforms have straightforward reporting tools. If you're not sure where to find them, search the platform's help centre for 'report abuse'. Talk to someone you trust about what's happening. If the harassment is serious or persistent, contact your local police or a support organisation. The In-article checklist above covers each of these steps in order.
Can cyberbullying happen through text messages and email?
Yes — and that's part of what makes it hard to escape. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can follow someone across multiple channels at once: a nasty comment on social media, a threatening text, and a fake profile set up in their name can all happen simultaneously. That's why it's worth reviewing your privacy settings and contact permissions on every platform you use, not just the main ones.

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