What is cyberbullying?

According to the charity Beatbullying, "Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology, like the internet or a mobile phone, to deliberately hurt, humiliate, harass, or threaten someone else."

Cyberbullying includes things like:

• Sending nasty or threatening texts or emails
• Posting abusive messages online - on a social networking site, in a chatroom, or using instant messaging
• Posting humiliating videos or pictures online, or sending them on to other people
• Taking on someone else's identity online in order to upset them
• Setting up a hate site or a hate group on a social networking site
• Prank calling

Why has it become such an issue?

Until recently, bullying was often seen as something that happened just at school - once home, you were safe from the bullies. Not any more. Both the internet and mobile phones mean that cyberbullying can happen wherever you are, at any time.

Cyberbullying is also a problem as it's relatively easy for the bully to remain anonymous.

What's behind a threatening message?

Receiving any kind of unsolicited, malicious message is unpleasant. It can rock your confidence and make you question your family and friends, as statistics show that in most cases it'll be someone you know. But whoever's behind it, and it may take some time to find out, you need to keep assuring yourself that this is their problem and not yours. What they're doing is a cowardly act, driven by anything from jealousy to insecurity, or just plain spite.

Bullies are basically deeply insecure, after all. If they can't give themselves a power hit by making you react on command, then chances are they'll give up.

How should I respond?

It may be tempting to send back an invitation to 'go fk urslf!', but you'd be giving this individual exactly what he or she wants. They're trying to provoke a response from you - anything they can act upon or use to justify further abuse - which is why it's so important to deny them the opportunity.

So, instead of hitting reply, press save or make a note of the message, including the time and date. Build up evidence in this way, and if you have to take it to someone with the authority to act, you can provide all the proof they need.

What if it continues?

The most important thing to remember is that you should never ignore cyberbullying.  Report it, flag it, and talk to someone about it.  There are lots of places you can go for help and advice - check out the tips below, or talk to another young person at somewhere like Cybermentors.

What to do if you're being harassed online:

• Report any cyberbullying, whether it's targeted at you or not, to the service provider.
• Never respond or retaliate, as this can make things worse.  It might be difficult, but try to ignore the bullies.  Block them from contacting you, too.
• Save and print out any bullying messages, posts, pictures or videos you receive or see.
• Make a note of dates and times of bullying messages, along with any details you have about the sender's ID.
• Don't pass on cyberbullying videos or messages - that makes you as bad as the cyberbully.
• If you're being bullied repeatedly online, think about changing your user ID, nickname or profile.
• Finally... if you think that someone else is being cyberbullied, don't ignore it.  If you see cyberbullying going on, report it and offer your support.

Stay safe online using these tips for preventing cyberbullying:

• Don't post personal information online
• Don't let anyone know your passwords
• Think carefully about what you say before you write or post anything online
• Respect other people's views - just because you don't agree with them, it doesn't mean that you have to be rude or abusive
• Google yourself every now and again.  It will show you what is online about you and what others can see - and you can make changes if you don't like what you see

Thanks to Beatbullying for help with this article.

Updated: 17/04/2009