Goal: Prevent and respond to cyberbullying while maintaining your digital well-being and safety
Lock Down Your Privacy Settings: Go to each social media platform you use and set your profile to private, limit who can message you, and turn off location sharing
- Expected result: Only people you approve can see your content and contact you directly
Create the "Three-Strike Rule": If someone sends you mean messages, don't respond the first time, block them after the second time, and report them after the third incident
- Expected result: You'll avoid escalating conflicts while protecting yourself from persistent harassment
Screenshot and Save Evidence: When cyberbullying occurs, take screenshots of messages, posts, or comments before blocking the person
- Expected result: You'll have documentation to show adults or authorities if the behavior continues
Implement the "24-Hour Rule": Wait 24 hours before posting anything when you're upset, angry, or emotional
- Expected result: You'll avoid posting content that could be used against you or make situations worse
Audit Your Digital Footprint: Review your posts, photos, and comments from the past year and delete anything that could be used to embarrass or target you
- Expected result: You'll have less ammunition available for potential cyberbullies
Create "Safe Spaces" Online: Join positive online communities, follow accounts that make you feel good, and unfollow or mute accounts that consistently post negative content
- Expected result: Your online experience will be more positive and supportive
If cyberbullying happens on school devices or platforms: Report it immediately to school IT and administration - schools have policies for digital harassment
If someone shares your private information: Document it with screenshots, report it to the platform, and tell a trusted adult immediately
If the cyberbullying is severe or threatening: Don't handle it alone - involve parents, school officials, and potentially law enforcement
You'll know you're done when: Your online presence is secure and you have systems in place to handle digital harassment
- All your social media accounts have strong privacy settings enabled
- You have a clear plan for documenting and reporting cyberbullying incidents
- You've removed potentially problematic content from your digital history
- You know exactly who to contact if serious cyberbullying occurs
- You feel confident using technology without fear of harassment
Ready for next step? With your online safety secured, you're ready to learn how to become an upstander who helps create a positive school culture for everyone.