Cyberbullying Online: How to Protect Yourself and Report Abuse

Social media has changed how we talk with each other. And sadly, it has also led to the appearance of issues such as cyberbullying online. Currently, a lot of statistics talk about the devastating effects of this phenomenon. For example, according to the Pew Research Center survey, 41% of Americans have personally experienced some form of online harassment.

During our assessment, we have seen how devastating cyberbullying can be, especially when it comes to their mental health and later ability to actually form social connections. This is why we have created this guide. Here, we will share with you our insights on how to protect yourself from cyberbullying and make sure you are safe mentally the next time something like this happens to you.

What Is Online Harassment and Cyberbullying?

Harassment means intentional aggressive behavior that is used to humiliate or intimidate someone online. Cyberbullying and abuse often happen in several ways.

In our estimation, the most common types of online harassment include offensive name-calling, spreading false rumors, sharing explicit images without consent, and persistent monitoring of someone's online activities. Name-calling is the most common form of abuse. Around 51% of adults from 18 to 29 admit they have been called an offensive name on the web.

When Is Something You See Online Cyberbullying?

To understand when something you see online is cyberbullying, it is important to know the actual difference between some random teasing and actual harassment. The actual bullying includes the following things:

• intentional harm;

• repetitive behavior;

• power imbalances between perpetrator and victim.

Several ways that digital harassment starts are when someone repeatedly posts mean comments, shares embarrassing photos of someone without their permission, excludes individuals from online groups maliciously, or threatens physical violence through messages. One random comment is not something to worry about. When it comes to harassment, it often means more targeted, prolonged actions.

How to Protect Yourself Online

Here are the actual steps that can help, not just “turn off the Internet” type of advice.

Step-by-step guide to privacy and blocking

We conducted a little research and came up with a plan, which you can see below.

• Review all privacy settings on your social platforms.

• Turn on comment filtering to hide potentially offensive content.

• Block suspicious accounts if they act aggressively;

• Have screenshots with timestamps of every harassment act.

Practices to Avoid Cyberbullying

There are many online practices to avoid cyberbullying. When users stick to these recommendations, they tend to feel more protected.

Limit the personal information you share 

Protect your personal data. It includes dating life, locations, and vulnerabilities. Overall, those who engage in abuse tend to use exactly this type of info as bait.

Think before you post or comment

Feel like the post you’re going to publish might have several interpretations? Or does it show you from the vulnerable sight you don't want others to exploit? Better hold on and redo it to avoid online cyberbullying.

Use privacy settings effectively

Many platforms let you protect yourself from abuse. Use security measures like making your profile private, not letting users find you by phone number or email, etc.

Avoid engaging with trolls or provocateurs

Emotional reactions are what online bullying behavior thrives on. Block and report instead of engaging directly with aggressive users.

How to Report Cyberbullying Online

There are several ways to report cyberbullying on most platforms. This section is exactly about it.

Using platform tools and support contacts

Each social platform has several tools to report cyberbullying. These include:

• Reporting users (you should include actual evidence: screenshots, timestamps, usernames, and specific policy violations);

• Block or mute functions. It prevents them from seeing or texting you.

Cyberbullying and Online Safety: Rondevo’s Recommendations

Here are some Rondevo suggestions we believe can work for you.

Regularly review privacy and security settings

Safety on digital platforms like Rondevo means reviewing security settings (what's new), updating your profile accordingly, and checking if new policies were implemented that you can use for reporting.

Document abusive behavior

Include dates, times, platform names, usernames, and exact content in your records. These things help a lot in cyberbullying online cases.

Use platform reporting tools promptly

Reporting abuse is less effective since evidence disappears or account details change. Don't be afraid to file reports within 48 hours of incidents. Therefore, when picking a platform for web communication, look for those that encourage complaining about any piece of content and reporting bad actors. This adds an extra layer of protection.

Engage respectfully and encourage others to do the same

Safe communication online means communicating with respect for others. If no bait is available, little to no harassment appears (of course, it's not always the case).

Conclusion: Building Safer Online Communities

To sum up, cyberbullying online is a dangerous thing that flourishes on content that includes way too much personal and often vulnerable info. There are several social platform safety measures we mentioned above (reporting and blocking) that should help you stay away from toxic users. Just remember that no one is safe from online cyberbullying. It is just some act on it, adding fuel to the fire, while others quietly reduce and remove it.