cyberbullying
Bullying someone online using messages, posts, or other technology.
Cyberbullying is using technology like phones, computers, or social media to deliberately hurt, embarrass, or threaten someone repeatedly. While regular bullying happens face-to-face at school or on the playground, cyberbullying happens through text messages, online posts, emails, or gaming platforms.
A cyberbully might send mean messages over and over, post embarrassing photos of someone without permission, spread false rumors online, or exclude someone from group chats on purpose. Because these attacks happen through screens, they can follow victims home and continue day and night. The words or images can spread quickly to many people, making the hurt feel much bigger.
What makes cyberbullying particularly harmful is that cruel messages and images can be shared widely and stay online for a long time. Something hurtful posted today might still be visible years later. Also, cyberbullies sometimes hide behind fake names or anonymous accounts, making them harder to identify and stop.
Most schools and many websites now have clear rules against cyberbullying. People who experience it are often encouraged to save evidence like screenshots, block the bully, and tell a trusted adult.