What causes Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is NOT OK.

There are many reasons why people engage in cyberbullying but whatever the reason, it is never OK.

If you are a victim of cyberbullying, it’s important to remember it’s hardly ever about you, even though it feels intensely personal.

Here’s some of the reasons why people bully:

What the bully thinks:

“No one knows who I am so I can say and do what I like on the Internet. I feel more powerful because they don't know it's me”

Why it's wrong: being anonymous doesn't make it any less hurtful for the recipient. If the words could hurt, they shouldn't be said.

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What the bully thinks:

“I don't have a lot of power in the offline world, so I say mean things online. I want people to listen to me and to feel in control."

Why it's wrong: being confident in yourself, without putting others down, is far more powerful.

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What the bully thinks:

“I'm not a bully - I'm just trying to get back at someone who was mean to me or my friends.”

Why it's wrong: it is bullying if it's hurtful to others, no matter what the motivation.

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What the bully thinks:

“I click before I think. I don’t think about the consequences of what I say and I don’t care. It’s just words - it doesn't really matter.”

Why it's wrong: words can hurt and it does matter. Respect for others is a great quality to have.

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What the bully thinks:

“Embarrassing and making fun of people online is a great laugh, especially if they get upset about it. People need to lighten up.”

Why it's wrong: hurting someone for amusement is wrong. They need to show more respect for themselves as well as others.

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What the bully thinks:

“My self-esteem is so low that I need to put others down to make myself feel better.”

Why it's wrong: self-esteem comes from achievement and self-worth, not putting others down.

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