Dealing with Cyberbullying: Tools to Help Victims

With the development of the internet, incidents of intentionally and repeatedly harming others online have become increasingly common. Common forms of cyberbullying include: 1. "Photo editing," which involves distorting or humiliating victims' photos; 2. Sending insulting, vulgar, harassing, or threatening messages to victims; 3. Spreading false information to incite public anger, or publicly sharing victims' personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, etc., without their consent through "doxxing" or "human flesh searches," even encouraging others to harass the victims. These behaviors severely damagevictims' mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Research shows that teenagers who have experienced cyberbullying are twice as likely or more to attempt suicide compared to others.

In this digital age, where everyone is constantly connected, cyberbullying can happen anytime, anywhere. Even if victims change schools or move, cyberbullies can still follow and continue their attacks through social media. Additionally, the anonymity of the internet allows bullies to hide their real identities behind usernames, giving them the false impression that they can escape responsibility or punishment. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying spreads faster and can be shared or reposted by countless people, amplifying the victim's pain.

In the anime Doraemon, whenever Gian bullies Nobita, Doraemon always steps in with a magical tool to counter Gian's actions. So, when cyberbullying occurs, will bystanders online step in to help the victim? And what "tools" can be used to combat cyberbullying?

Those Who Have Experienced It Are More Willing to Help

The research team of EdUHK collected questionnaires from 817 secondary school students across seven schools and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling. The results showed that students with stronger social skills, higher empathy, supportive attitudes toward victims, and a better understanding of what cyberbullying is are more likely to help cyberbullying victims. Surprisingly, students who have experienced cyberbullying or exhibit depressive symptoms are also more likely to help. Those who have been bullied themselves may understand the pain of being targeted, making them more willing to lend a hand—similar to the lyrics of an old song: "You need to get hurt to learn to be strong." Students with more depressive symptoms may also be more attuned to the emotional distress of victims, sympathize with their plight, and thus be more willing to help. However, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between depressive symptoms, past experiences of cyberbullying, and the willingness to help victims.

These findings offer insights into addressing cyberbullying. For example, educational activities can be designed to enhance students' empathy and social skills, reducing cyberbullying behavior and encouraging students to stand up for victims when appropriate. Schools can also organize workshops, role-playing exercises, and seminars to help teenagers recognize cyberbullying, assess its harm, and strengthen their sense of responsibility to help victims. Additionally, students should be informed about relevant laws, such as the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, which makes certain cyberbullying behaviors like doxxing potentially illegal, helping students understand the seriousness of cyberbullying. More importantly, students should be taught effective strategies to help victims and encouraged to take practical actions.

Small Acts of Kindness

Doraemon, from the 22nd century, uses magical tools to help Nobita face bullying. In reality, addressing cyberbullying only requires simple actions from us. When witnessing cyberbullying, we can say, "What you're saying hurts others," clearly pointing out the harmfulness of the behavior and making it more visible. Secondly, from a legal or societal perspective, we can highlight the consequences of cyberbullying by saying, "The internet is not a lawless space; in a civilized society, you can't say things like that." This can educate bullies about legal and societal norms and may encourage others to join in helping the victim, thereby stopping the bullying.

Additionally, we can interrupt or change the topic, such as posting positive messages and images with others to drown out the inappropriate comments of cyberbullies and show support for the victim. We should also make use of the "report" function on social media platforms or forums to stop or remove such behavior.​

​While the internet provides a convenient space for communication, we should always pause and think before we speak. For example, before posting something that might hurt others, ask ourselves, "Do I really need to do this?" Lastly, we can leave supportive comments for victims, such as "Don't worry, we're here for you," letting them know they are cared for and supported. These seemingly small acts of kindness (Acts of Random Kindness, ARK) might just be the "lifeboat" that saves the next victim of cyberbullying.

Written by:

Dr Angel Leung, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, EdUHK

Prof Chiu Ming Ming, Chair Professor, Department of Special Education and Counselling, EdUHK

Read the research article