How to Spot Cyberbullying Early – And What to Do About It

We find ourselves in an era where connection is ubiquitous and practically inescapable. Because of this, digital communication has likely become a central element of your life.

And, since you probably spend at least part of your day online, it's important to protect yourself from online risks.

Cyberbullying, or online harassment, stands out here as one of those risks. This type of violence is very common and difficult to detect, so here you'll learn how to identify it and stop it in time.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can be defined as hostile, humiliating, or threatening behavior against a person on digital channels. This can also include the dissemination of false or private information about the harassed user, too.

This type of violence can manifest itself in the form of offensive or defamatory messages, identity theft, or social exclusion. You should also consider communications intended to extort money through the publication of private content without consent, even to the point of physical threats.

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying doesn't usually have specific times or places where it takes place.

It can happen at any time, which can be particularly overwhelming, eliminating the victim's ability to seek refuge. Furthermore, the fact that online bullying can be anonymous means that bullies feel untouchable, and aggressive behavior occurs rapidly and frequently.

Why Has Cyberbullying Increased?

In recent years, it’s clear to see that the problem of cyberbullying has increased alarmingly. Various studies on online safety have revealed that more and more people report having experienced cyberbullying, mostly in spaces such as social media, forums, and messaging apps.

The normalization of verbal abuse online and the use of digital platforms by young people has allowed cyberbullying to become a behavior that goes unnoticed and, far too often, unpunished. At the same time, it can grow rapidly and have devastating consequences.

Early Signs of Cyberbullying

Detecting the signs of cyberbullying early can be the key between a simple solution or a bigger problem. Here, you can see some of the most common signs:

1. Changes in Behavior

If you notice that someone, especially a minor, is becoming more anxious or distant and trying to avoid using their gadgets, it could be a sign that they are being bullied online.

1. Constant Messages and Notifications

The continuous arrival of hostile, abusive, or threatening messages is cyberbullying. This usually occurs on platforms such as social media, emails, forums, or gaming sites.

1. Social Isolation

Fear or shame may lead the victim to avoid their social circles. This can occur both online and in real life. Therefore, you should be alert to any unusual signs of isolation.

1. Fake Profiles and Identity Theft

Bullies often create fake profiles that allow them to anonymously harass their victims and/or send personal information. If you come across a fake profile of an acquaintance online, report it immediately.

What Should I Do If I Detect Cyberbullying?

As soon as you notice that you or someone else is being cyberbullied, you should take appropriate measures – and quickly. This way, you can minimize the effects and take control of the situation quickly. To make this easier, you can follow these strategies:

1. Don't respond to harassment: Don't fuel confrontation with the bullies.
2. Save evidence: Keep messages, screenshots, and any relevant information about the harassment.
3. Block the bully: Use the blocking and reporting features of each platform where they are harassing.
4. Seek support: Talk to family, friends, or professionals about the harassment.
5. Report to the authorities: In case of threats or serious crimes, it is vital that you seek legal action.

Additional Protection: The Role of a VPN

Apart from the measures you take to protect your integrity, it's also essential that you take care of your digital privacy.

One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a virtual private network, better known as a VPN. This tool encrypts your internet connection, hiding your identity, location, and shared data. This, in turn, makes it difficult for third parties to track you online.

If you frequently chat online, solutions like a ChatGPT VPN will add secure encryption and anonymity. Thanks to this, you'll be protected while browsing and can also detect any suspicious connection attempts before exposing yourself to bullying.

Digital Education: The Key to Prevention

Also relevant when talking about cyberbullying are the intervention measures you can implement once it has occurred. In addition to digital education, it is also important to convey:

• Respect and empathy in the digital environment.
• The protection of personal data.
• Responsible use of social media and instant messaging applications.
• Immediate reporting of inappropriate behavior.

Prevention begins at home and in the classroom, where parents and educators must make it clear that the digital environment deserves the same respect as the physical environment.