Tertiary institutions

I believe social media websites should have a duty of care to protect its users.

Especially when cyberbullying is so much easier to do behind the screen than face-to-face.

So, what's cyberbullying?

It can range from someone at school posting indirect but aggressive comments about you or someone setting up a fake or embarrassing account in your name.

It's behaviour that's consistent, persistent and designed to humiliate you and anyone can cyberbully you – from a friend to a stranger. 

No matter the form it takes, cyberbullying is never okay.

If you feel comfortable enough, you can try asking the person to take their comments down. 

If the cyberbullying misrepresents you or your opinion, you can try saying, 'Hey, this is unfair' before explaining your reasons why.

If the bullying gets worse, this is usually a sign that things aren't going to get better without outside help.

Often cyberbullies like a fight, especially from behind the screen. If this happens, it's time to screenshot, report and block. 

The websites you're on are also responsible for your welfare, which means that any cyberbullying should be reported to them first to address. 

If nothing changes, eSafety can also step in.

Report it to eSafety and they'll do their best to help you out.

So my final word of advice is to stay positive, and the cyberbullying itself reflects the cyberbully not you and it's okay to seek help.