Cyberbullying

What it is, how to spot it, and what to do if it happens to you or someone you know.

For Kids For Parents For Teachers

1 in 3

young people have experienced cyberbullying

58%

of kids never tell their parents it happened

95%

of witnesses say others ignored the bullying

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices - phones, computers and tablets. It can happen via SMS, text, apps, social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.

It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.

Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour under Bermuda law.

Social media, messaging apps, online games, forums, email, and comment sections

Anyone - children, teenagers and adults can all be targets or perpetrators

Warning Signs to Watch For

A child being cyberbullied may show these signs. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Avoids devices

Suddenly stops using their phone or computer, or becomes upset when receiving messages

Emotional distress

Appears upset, angry, or depressed - especially after going online

Reluctant to go to school

Makes excuses to avoid school or social situations

Trouble sleeping

Difficulty sleeping or changes in eating habits - signs of anxiety or depression

Withdraws from friends

Becomes isolated from family and friends they were once close to

Avoids online activities

Stops participating in games or social media they previously enjoyed

Unexplained anger

Becomes unusually moody, irritable or secretive after being online

Declining grades

A sudden drop in academic performance can indicate serious emotional distress

If You're Being Cyberbullied

Don't respond or retaliate

Responding can make things worse. Retaliating puts you at risk of becoming a bully yourself.

Save the evidence

Take screenshots of hurtful messages, posts, or images. These are important if you need to report it.

Block the person

Most platforms let you block someone so they can't contact you or see your profile.

Tell a trusted adult

Talk to a parent, teacher, or counsellor. You shouldn't have to deal with this alone.

Report it to the platform

Use in-app reporting tools. Social media companies are required to act on bullying reports.

Report to CyberTips

If the bullying is severe or involves threats, contact us at 1-441-777-0875 or file an online report.

Advice for Parents

Keep communication open

Create a safe, judgement-free space so your child feels comfortable telling you when something is wrong online.

Know the platforms they use

Familiarise yourself with the social media, apps and games your child uses. Understand the privacy settings available.

Look for warning signs

Monitor for changes in mood, behaviour or device use - these are often the first indicators something is wrong.

Don't take away devices as punishment

Confiscating phones or computers may prevent your child from reporting future incidents out of fear.

Document everything

Preserve screenshots, messages and dates. This evidence is crucial if you involve schools or law enforcement.

Contact the school

If bullying involves classmates, notify the school. They have a duty of care and most have anti-bullying policies.

Contact CyberTips

Call 1-441-777-0875 or file a report online. Our team works with the Bermuda Police Service to investigate.

Seek professional support

If your child is seriously affected, speak with a counsellor or mental health professional. Help is available.

Forms of Cyberbullying

Harassment

Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages to a person or a group.

Outing / Doxing

Sharing someone's personal, private, or embarrassing information publicly without their consent.

Exclusion

Intentionally excluding someone from an online group, chat, or game to isolate them socially.

Impersonation

Pretending to be someone else online to damage their reputation or relationships.

Cyberstalking

Repeatedly following and monitoring someone online, often escalating to threats and fear.

Image-Based Abuse

Sharing or threatening to share intimate, private, or embarrassing images without consent.

For Teachers & Schools

Establish clear policies

Ensure your school has a robust anti-bullying policy that explicitly covers online behaviour and sets clear consequences.

Teach digital citizenship

Incorporate internet safety and responsible online behaviour into lessons - not just as a one-off, but ongoing.

Watch for behavioural changes

Be alert to students who become withdrawn, anxious or whose academic performance suddenly drops.

Create a safe reporting culture

Make it easy and safe for students to report cyberbullying - including anonymous channels.

Involve parents and authorities

Keep parents informed. For serious cases, contact CyberTips or the Bermuda Police Service.

Do's & Don'ts

Document all incidents with screenshots and dates

Report bullying to the platform using in-app tools

Contact parents and school administration promptly

Provide emotional support without judgement

Don't ignore it - hope it goes away on its own

Don't confront the bully directly online

Don't blame or shame the victim

Don't delete evidence before reporting

Is cyberbullying happening to you or someone you know?

Don't wait. Report it now - all reports are confidential and forwarded directly to Bermuda authorities. You can report anonymously.

File a Report Online

1-441-777-0875

CALL TO REPORT - 24/7