Cyberbullying
Experiencing cyberbullying is a painful and often isolating experience. It can lead to feelings of insecurity, fear, and helplessness.
Cyberbullying encompasses acts of aggression carried out through the internet or phone, including social media platforms (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), WhatsApp, email, forums, gaming sites, and more.
Unique Characteristics of Cyberbullying
Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but cyberbullying has additional, unique characteristics that stem from the nature of communication through apps and social networks. These include the ability to:
Spread information anonymously or under a false identity.
Disseminate content from anywhere, at any time.
Reach a large number of people quickly.
Difficulty in deleting content from the internet.
Online aggression is often an event without a clear beginning or end. Once harmful material is published and becomes public, it is difficult, if not impossible, to stop its spread or remove it entirely.
Even though cyberbullying occurs in the virtual space, the pain and harm it causes are completely real. Just like real-life violence, there is no justification or place for it.
Cyberbullying can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. The harm can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness, as well as difficulty functioning in studies or work, avoidance of social events, and more. All of these are normal and natural responses to being victimized.
What Is Considered Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying occurs on social media, WhatsApp, dating apps, messaging platforms, gaming sites, Discord, forums, and more.
Cyberbullying and online aggression can manifest in many ways:
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- Defamation of an individual or group, or slander.
Threats of harm, or even murder.
Distribution of private and personal photos and videos without the participants’ consent.
Creation of offensive pages/profiles on social media.
Impersonation of another person and disseminating content or engaging in activity in their name (e.g., on dating sites, social networks).
Boycotting and exclusion – isolating an individual or group by another group.
Harassment – repeatedly contacting someone, even after being asked to stop.
Stalking – similar to “stalkers” in real life – tracking online activities and collecting data.
Offensive comments – leaving comments with offensive content, an option that is amplified by the ability to comment anonymously.
Violation of privacy – publishing personal details without permission, and hacking into personal digital spaces.
What Happens to Us When We Experience Cyberbullying?
Like any harm from an act of violence, harm from online aggression and cyberbullying can significantly impact our lives.
Our sense of security is compromised, and we can be overwhelmed with feelings of shame, fear, confusion, anger, and loneliness.
Facing such harm also brings a feeling of helplessness, especially when the harm reaches us directly on our phone, email, or social media profile. It feels like an invasion and intrusion into our private space.
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The harm can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence and self-esteem, feelings of loneliness, and avoidance of social events due to shame or fear of further harm.
The harm and subsequent difficulties can manifest as problems in studies (difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, absenteeism from school or studies, and a drop in grades and achievements), difficulties in the workplace (difficulty concentrating and functioning normally, fatigue, and absenteeism), and difficulties in relationships (difficulty trusting, forming new connections, avoiding existing relationships, and fear of social interactions).
Physical health can also be affected due to anxiety and stress, leading to sleep disturbances, headaches or stomach aches, and changes in appetite and weight.
Every reaction is a normal reaction; each person responds differently. If the distress continues, it is important and advisable to reach out for help.
Is Cyberbullying a Criminal Offense?
Cyberbullying is considered a criminal offense in cases such as threats, defamation, harassment, impersonation, violation of privacy, and more.
Sharing sexual content without the consent of the participants constitutes an offense of privacy violation and sexual harassment.
Impersonating another person on dating sites may constitute an offense of defamation and privacy violation, depending on the content.
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In these cases, you can contact the police and file a complaint against the perpetrators.
If the victim is a child or youth under 18, you should contact Hotline 105 – in Israel.
If the perpetrator is anonymous, you can file a police report, and in cases of suspected criminal activity, defamation, impersonation, threats, incitement, etc., the police will locate the anonymous individual.
It is important to know that responsibility applies not only to those who initiate the harm but also to those who share, distribute, and write comments.
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Self Help Tips
Contacting the Cyber Security Center in Israel
If you feel physically threatened or if a crime has been committed, immediately contact the Israel National Cyber Directorate at 119 [Isreal only], or reach out to the National Headquarters for the Protection of Children Online at 105 [Isreal only] or through their website.
Share and Talk
Share what’s happening with a trusted person you feel close to – a parent, a friend, a teacher, or a counselor. Talking to someone you trust can alleviate the emotional burden and the feeling of loneliness that comes with the harm, and help you find solutions to cope with the situation. Don’t go through this alone. You can also reach out to us – ERAN’s helplines.
Block and report the perpetrator
Most online platforms and apps offer tools to block abusive users and report harmful content. You can use these tools to protect yourself and reduce exposure to bullying and violence. With someone who is harming you, unfriend or unfollow them, and block calls and messages.
Do not respond
Often, those who cause harm are waiting for a reaction to feel powerful and in control. Therefore, it’s best to avoid responding and getting drawn into exchanges and accusations fueled by anger or fear, and instead focus on protecting yourself.
Document and save evidence of online bullying
It’s advisable to save screenshots and documentation of any violent messages, images, or posts sent to you. This documentation can serve as evidence should you decide to report the bullying to authorities or social media platforms.