5 types of cyberbullying and signs to look out for
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Before the internet, you could usually outrun a bully. If you were fast or clever, you could avoid them just long enough to get somewhere safe. Cyberbullying creates a new sort of challenge. Today, the bully might be online.
Statistics on cyberbullying tell us that about half of America's kids and teens will experience cyberbullying. Below, you'll learn critical cyberbullying facts:
The five main types of cyberbullying
Examples of bullying
Signs to look for when you suspect online bullying
Keep reading to learn how to protect your kids and teach them to stay a step ahead.
Type #1: Harassment
Harassment occurs when someone persistently makes derogatory statements about another person. Traditional bullying can start with harassment. These statements might take the form of mean jokes, threats, or suggestions that the victim harm him or herself. As in traditional bullying, teens are commonly harassed for:
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Appearance
Race
Gender
Sexual orientation
Family of origin
Online harassment is the most common form of cyberbullying. Statistics on bullying indicate that of those who have experienced cyberbullying, 33% suffered offensive name-calling online.
Signs of cyber-harassment
The warning signs of harassment can be subtle, so training yourself to see them is essential. The specific signs of harassment will differ since no two kids are alike. Still, common warning signs of online harassment include:
Change in emotional state after online time
Increased signs of depression and anxiety
Negative self-talk
Decrease in self-worth
Type #2: Flaming
Flaming, AKA "roasting," is a loud, in-your-face form of cyberbullying. The term describes a more specific form of online harassment. Flaming occurs when someone repeatedly posts insulting, derogatory, angry, or intimidating language toward another user. Flaming can happen anywhere teens can chat and share content online. This could include a social media platform, text group, gaming stream, or the comments section of a YouTube video. Flaming can also escalate into a "flame war" where the argument continues back and forth.
How to recognize flaming
If your child or teen is involved in flaming, you may notice some changes in their online behaviors. They may increase phone and social media use while also trying to shield their digital devices from a parent's prying eyes. Usage may increase if they are engaged in a back-and-forth "flame war" or because they want to continually refresh to see if the cyberbully has made any new comments or posts. If you've noticed your teen becoming overly attached to their phone, this could be a good time for a digital detox.
Those who have suffered flaming may also show common effects of cyberbullying.
Type #3: Exclusion
If flaming is a loud form of cyberbullying, exclusion is quiet. Exclusion happens when one or more people are intentionally left out of a group message, online forum, or other group cyber activity. In the context of social media bullying, this could be refusing to accept a friend request, unfriending or unfollowing, blocking, or removing a person from a group message.
Signs of exclusion
Kids or teens dealing with cyber exclusion show many of the adverse effects common to victims of cyberbullying, as well as signs of feeling isolated. These feelings can lead people to withdraw from social life. This may seem small, but a lack of social connection is a big deal, especially for kids. It's important to help your teen work through feelings of isolation so they can maintain healthy, happy relationships.
Type #4: Outing
In the context of cyberbullying, an outing occurs when someone shares another person's private information online.
In most cases, the cyberbully and victim are known to one another. The cyberbully may share a screenshot of a private text message or DM to mock or humiliate another person. Victims of outings may have their personal messages or info shared with others via text messages or on social media sites.
A cyberbully may out a person's:
Private conversations
Private thoughts and feelings
Sexual orientation
How to recognize an outing
Teens navigating an outing situation may show common signs of cyberbullying. In particular, "outed" people may deactivate social media or avoid devices as a way to deal with the humiliation.
Kids and teens who have had their personal info outed may show a decreased interest in social activities they enjoyed before. So, if your child starts pulling back from their school friends or has deleted social media, it's worth asking some questions.
Type #5: Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is the use of email, text messages, or any other digital communication to threaten someone in an attempt to make them feel unsafe. Cyberstalking can also happen if someone installs a secret app called "stalkerware" on the victim's device, allowing them to track and view their activities to varying degrees. Certain types of cyberstalking may be considered criminal behavior, depending on your state and local laws.
One especially crafty form of cyberstalking is using "finstas" or other fake accounts to further harass the victim. The cyberbully may create fake accounts to sneak back into the victim's social media circle. The perpetrator may also send unwanted requests and messages from their "real life" account.
Signs of cyberstalking
People who have experienced cyberstalking may show many of the commonly associated signs of cyberbullying but an even more notable increase in anxiety. Cyberstalking can also translate to school bullying, leading the victim to display a fear for their safety.
Prevent cyberbullying and keep your kids and teens safe
As a parent, it's important to know how to respond if your child is a cyberbullying victim. Plus, how to prevent cyberbullying and deal with online harassment.
And for even more safety, check out Greenlight’s newest, most comprehensive plan designed to help you power your teen’s growing independence — all while they stay safe and connected.
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