Alex's Answer

Is it cyber bullying if they say it just once

Your Question

Hi I have a question about cyber bullying. Is it cyber bullying if they say it once and never agian? As in . , One person might say you look like a bagel and then never talk to u agian another might say your ugly and never talk to u aginan is that cyber bullying because I get lots of hurtful comments online but it’s all from different people and bullying is ment to be continuous so even though it’s not continual from them it is to me . Thanks

Answer

Hello and welcome to Ask Alex. 

Thank you for your question. 

You’re asking is it cyber bullying if people say hurtful comments once only. 

You say these comments have been hurtful to you. It is very is understandable that you would feel hurt. Online bullying can be hard to cope with for several reasons. Some people can act differently online than they would in person. This might mean they say and do things that are hurtful online, that they would not do or say face-to-face. You are correct when you say that bullying is continuous. When something is written, be it online or in a text message, then it is there all of the time, even though it was only written the once. 

Dealing with cyber bullying might mean you need to block or report people, and you do have the right to do this. How would that feel do you think? When you block someone, they cannot see anything you post, and you cannot see their profile, comments, or messages. Do you think blocking and reporting are steps you can take to protect yourself? You have the right to remove such negativity from your life both online and offline.  

Is there a trusted adult you can talk to about what is going on. This adult could be an aunt, uncle or grandparent, a teacher, or guidance counsellor.  It is important for your mental well-being not to suffer in silence. You have the right to talk about what is happening for you online, the right to be listened to, the right to be heard and the right to support.

The Childline website has some articles on friendships and bullying which you may find useful: www.childline.ie/s=cyber+bullying;  www.childline.ie/friends/ ; www.childline.ie/bullying-abuse-safety-and-your-rights/.     

You do not have to go through this alone. Childline is here for you and we really would love to listen to you. At Childline we focus on you and what is important to you. The services are free and available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Team do not judge anything you say but will listen to everything you wish to share. You can contact us through our telephone service 1800 66 66 66, through our text service on 50101, or by web chat that you access through the website. www.childline.ie  

 We hope to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself,    

 Alex   

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