There are many emotions you can feel when you are online. You can have good feelings which are also known as ‘yes’ feelings. ‘Yes’ feelings can be when your friend leaves a nice comment on a photo you post on social media. They make you feel loved and happy.

‘No’ feelings are things that can make you upset or sad. Examples of ‘no’ feelings include unsafe strangers trying to contact you.

You might feel ‘no’ feelings when someone is mean to them online. Being mean to someone online is called cyberbullying. It can make someone feel bad or upset.

Cyberbullying can happen on social media, gaming apps, or any other online service.
Some examples of cyber bullying include:

• Sharing embarrassing photos or videos
• Leaving nasty comments online
• Creating fake accounts in someone else’s name
• Tricking someone into believing you are someone else, or
• Ignoring someone onlineLeaving someone out on purpose is a common tactic used by bullies. This might involve friends no longer interacting with you, messaging you or inviting you to play games. It may seem like everyone is friends with each other except you and you don’t know why.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if you’re being cyberbullied.

Here’s a few examples of what cyberbullying might look like:

Cyberbullying is very common with young people. 44% of Aussie teens report having a negative online experience in the last 6 months, this includes 15% who received threats or abuse online. This is almost one in two young people!

Cyberbullying can have a bad effect on your health and wellbeing. You can go through mental health issues like feeling stressed and anxious or even depressed. These effects can last a long time even after the bullying has stopped. This is a completely normal reaction to being cyberbullied. What’s important is that you notice these signs and feelings and get help.

Cyberbullying is very common so it is important to know when it is happening and what you can do about it.

These are some important steps to help you in a cyber-bullying situation:

Remember these simple steps (the 3 S’s)

1. Stop and stay calm: Don’t panic and respond straight away
2. Share: Tell a trusted adult
3. Shut it down: Blocking, reporting to the site or app or to eSafety

Keep your accounts private

Most social media apps and gaming platforms have a privacy button. This can give you control over who can contact you.

Knowing how to change your privacy controls is a good way to manage cyberbullying. Here are some different ways you can do this:

• Turning your account on private
• Limit actions from other players in games
• Block the cyberbully

Know where the report button is

Another useful tool is the report button. This is a very important step and something you should do when you need content or comments taken down. You can find reporting buttons for most sites, games and apps in the safety feature information.

When reporting, it is always a good idea to have proof of what has happened. like screenshots of the mean comment, message or post. Keep them to show to a trusted adult and to report to the social media app or game. If you don’t get a response from the app or game in 24 hours, ask your trusted adult to help you report it on the eSafety Commissioner’s website at www.esafety.gov.au/report .

Don’t be afraid to report things or seek help. It is important you are safe and the bully knows not to do it to other people again!

Remember, you can talk to your parents, teachers, or any trusted adult and ask for their help if you are being cyberbullied.