What if my friend is a cyberbully?

What to do if your friend is cyberbullying someone

Say something

• Stand up against the online bullying. If you know the person doing it, tell them it's not okay with you. Be clear, but do not start a fight about it.
• Call out the cyberbullying online. You can say things like “That's mean!” or “Stop it!” to show both the cyberbully and the person they are bullying that you don't approve.
• Make your friend aware of the legal consequences of cyberbullying.
• Know that if you have the courage to say something, others may follow. Sometimes all it takes is one person to say something and others may join to help stop it.
• If you stay silent when you know what your friend is doing is wrong, the victim may continue to suffer.

Support the person being cyberbullied

• Be part of the solution by deleting or refusing to share cyberbullying messages, posts, images or videos.
• If you know the target of the cyberbullying, reach out to tell them that this is not their fault and they don't deserve to be treated this way. They may need to hear it.
• Make sure that they have someone to talk to.
• Check back with them from time to time and see how they are doing.

Seek help and report the abuse

• If you are upset, confused, worried or just want some advice, talk with a trusted adult about it. It may help you feel better, and they may have good ideas on how to handle it.
• If you feel physical threats have been made, the target’s safety is at risk or a crime has been committed, tell a teacher or get the police involved. It's not 'tattling' on your friend if someone's safety is at stake.
• No one has to deal with this alone. You, your friend who is cyberbullying, or the cyberbullying victim can contact Kids Help Phone via text, chat, or on the phone to speak to a counsellor at any time. It’s always anonymous and confidential, and they’ll help come up with solutions.