Cyberbullying

How is cyberbullying defined?

Public Safety Canada defines Cyberbullying as, “the use of computers, smartphones or other connected devices to embarrass, hurt, mock, threaten or be mean to someone online.”

On average, 3 out of 10 youth in Canada have experienced one form of cyberbullying or more.

  • Youth encounter the highest levels of cyberbullying on social media platforms, particularly:

    • Instagram - remains a primary platform for such behavior, with young people being twice as likely to experience bullying there compared to other networks.

    • TikTok - also sees significant activity, likely due to its popularity among younger users.

    Other platforms also report high incidences of cyberbullying, especially targeting teenagers and tweens who spend a substantial amount of time online​:

    • Facebook

    • Snapchat

    • X (formerly Twitter)

    • Gaming Networks

    The rise in cyberbullying correlates with increased digital interaction among youth, averaging six hours online daily in many regions. This prevalence emphasizes the critical need for education on digital literacy and empathy to combat the issue.

  • Cyberbullying can take many forms online, often disguised as everyday interactions on digital platforms. Common examples include:

    • Public Shaming or Harassment: Posting hurtful comments, spreading false information, or sharing embarrassing content about someone on social media and gaming platforms. This can include memes or altered images that ridicule the target.

    • Impersonation and Hacking: Pretending to be someone else by creating fake profiles or hacking into their accounts to post offensive or harmful content. This tactic, known as catfishing or impersonation, is often used to damage reputations or relationships.

    • Threats and Doxxing: Sending threatening messages or sharing private information (like home addresses or phone numbers) publicly, making individuals feel unsafe.

    • Rumors and Exclusion: Spreading untrue rumors about a person or intentionally excluding them from online groups and activities, which can amplify feelings of isolation.

    • Sexual Exploitation: Sharing explicit or compromising photos or videos without consent, a particularly harmful form of cyberbullying.

    • Persistent Trolling: Continuously provoking or upsetting someone through inflammatory or offensive comments.

    Terms associated with cyberbullying include "trolling" (intentionally provoking for reaction), "doxxing" (exposing private information), and "catfishing" (using fake identities online). Slang terms like "mid" (mediocre) or "mogging" (outshining others) are also used disparagingly in some contexts. Other words include specific comments regarding an individual’s appearance, race, sex, abilities, etc..

  • In Canada, cyberbullying can have serious legal consequences under both federal and provincial laws:

    • Federally - criminal charges may apply if the behavior involves actions such as criminal harassment, defamatory libel, uttering threats, identity fraud, or sharing intimate images without consent. These offenses can lead to severe penalties, such as imprisonment. Additionally, related charges like extortion or inciting hatred can result in further legal action.

    • Provincially - Specific provinces also have their own unique legislation addressing cyberbullying. Be sure to check your local provincial laws. Civil remedies are also available, allowing victims to seek damages for emotional distress or loss of reputation. In some cases, parents of minors responsible for cyberbullying can be held financially accountable​.

    Legal consequences for behaviours vary significantly between countries and even within local jurisdictions. Always check your regional and federal laws to understand the specific regulations and penalties in your area.

How to recognize a victim of cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can take many forms, and its signs may not always be obvious. Here are some key indicators to help you identify if someone might be experiencing cyberbullying:

    • Avoidance of Devices: The person may become anxious, upset, or defensive when using their phone, tablet, or computer.

    • Mood Swings: They might show sudden irritability, anger, or sadness, especially after being online.

    • Withdrawal: Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies they used to enjoy.

    • Low Self-Esteem: Increased negative self-talk or doubts about their worth.

    • School Avoidance: Reluctance or refusal to attend school or participate in extracurricular activities.

    • Sleep Disruptions: Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or a sudden need to stay awake longer than usual to avoid online interactions.

    • Eating Habits: Noticeable changes in appetite, eating too much or too little, which can stem from emotional distress.

    • Deleting or Avoiding Accounts: Sudden deletion of social media profiles or hesitance to use specific apps or platforms.

    • Unusual Secretiveness: Hiding screens, quickly closing apps, or refusing to talk about their online activities.

    • Increased Complaints About Technology: They might frequently mention issues like receiving mean messages, strange friend requests, or being left out of group chats.

    • Drop in Grades: A decrease in school performance due to stress or distraction from bullying.

    • Lack of Focus: Struggling to concentrate on tasks or participate in class.

    • Psychosomatic Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained physical complaints.

    • Visible Fatigue: Exhaustion from dealing with constant online stress or staying up late worrying.

These signs may not always indicate cyberbullying but are worth addressing with empathy and support. Encourage open communication and connect victims with resources for help.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know is dealing with cyberbullying, taking proactive steps can make a big difference. Here’s how parents, kids, teens, and even bystanders can respond effectively:

    • Foster Open Communication:

      • Encourage your child to talk openly about their online experiences.

      • Listen without judgment and validate their feelings.

    • Set Online Boundaries:

      • Establish rules for using social media and digital devices.

      • Teach them to think carefully before sharing personal information or photos online.

    • Monitor Without Overstepping:

      • Use parental controls or tools to oversee online activity without invading their privacy.

      • Regularly check in about who they interact with online and how those interactions make them feel.

    • Educate Yourself:

      • Stay updated on popular apps, games, and social media platforms.

      • Learn about privacy settings and how to report or block inappropriate content.

    • Act When Necessary:

      • Document incidents of cyberbullying (screenshots, messages, etc.).

      • Report cyberbullying to the social media platform (if applicable), your child’s school (if applicable), or even law enforcement if the behavior violates legal boundaries.

    • Speak Up:

      • If you're being bullied, tell a trusted adult immediately. You don’t have to face it alone. For immediate confidential support, reach out to Kids Help Phone.

    • Don’t Engage:

      • Avoid responding to hurtful messages or posts. Engaging can escalate the situation.

      • Instead, block the bully and report the behavior to the platform.

    • Protect Your Privacy:

      • Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.

      • Keep personal details like your address, school, or phone number private.

    • Be a Friend:

      • If you know someone being bullied, offer them support.

      • Encourage them to talk to an adult or seek help together.

    • Don’t Amplify the Problem:

      • Avoid liking, sharing, or commenting on mean posts or messages.

    • Stand Up for What’s Right:

      • If it’s safe, call out bullying behaviour in a respectful way.

      • Show kindness by reaching out to the person being bullied.

    • Report Anonymously:

      • Most platforms allow you to report bullying without revealing your identity.

Where to get help?

Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 confidential support service for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Cybertip.ca: Canada’s national tipline for reporting online exploitation.

Local Law Enforcement: If a crime has been committed, contact your local law enforcement directly.