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Social media is not always safe. You cannot tell who is online. Someone may pretend to be someone they are not. Trolling may also happen. It can be very hurtful to the person who is receiving the nasty comments. People can be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence for this.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. Here are the results of research carried out in 2016 by Bullying UK.

Types of cyberbullying

There are different types of cyberbullying. Examples include:

• Exclusion - This is very common and happens when others purposely leave someone out of group messages and gaming sites, for example. This is a form of social bullying.
• Cyber stalking - This is potentially illegal and makes someone feel unsafe. It happens when messages are repeatedly sent that include threats of harm or intimidation.
• Outing and tricking - This is when personal information about someone, including photographs or video footage, is sent to others.
• Impersonation - Someone may hack into someone else’s email or social media account and send embarrassing or nasty comments to others.
• Flaming - Some people purposely send highly offensive messages to others to cause a reaction.
• Denigration - Someone may send information to others that is fake. This can also be in the form of photographic evidence.
• Harassment - This involves sending nasty messages or comments to others.

Cyberbullying can affect anyone and it can have tragic consequences.