Cyberbullying - what is it?

Dr. Andrea Bannert has been with since 2013. The doctor of biology and medicine editor initially carried out research in microbiology and is the team's expert on the tiny things: bacteria, viruses, molecules and genes. She also works as a freelancer for Bayerischer Rundfunk and various science magazines and writes fantasy novels and children's stories.

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Cyberbullying is when classmates are systematically beaten up online. A study by the University of Hohenheim found that bullies in cyberspace most often write insulting emails and messages via social networks such as Facebook. For example, it could be: “What is it like not to have friends?” Or “You shouldn't wear skirts with legs that big.” Of course, this is only harmless news in itself, but it can develop a dangerous dynamic and lead to bullying. Despair the victim.

Hidden culprits

Sometimes verbal abuse is made publicly available or the perpetrators spread rumors on the Internet. It is even bolder when someone creates a profile under the name of the victim and harasses others. The 16 to 17 year olds are most frequently affected. One in four people has already seen falsehoods or insults about them end up on the internet. The most hurtful form of cyberbullying - uploading embarrassing photos and videos - happens about half as often. In extreme cases, perpetrators even actively cause an embarrassing or violent situation and film it with a mobile phone camera.

The key difference between cyberbullying and bullying attacks in real life is that the perpetrators usually remain anonymous. This is also where the great danger lies: the perpetrators' inhibition threshold is lower, because annoying someone via the Internet is easier than confronting them face-to-face. There are no relaxation rooms for the victim, they cannot hide in their room after school. The internet attacks are always there - and visible to everyone.

At the same time perpetrator and victim

Cyberbullying is not a fringe phenomenon - it affects one in five students, regardless of whether they are 12 or 18 years old. At least that was the result of a survey from 2017. And there is another special feature of cyberbullying: later or in parallel, the bullied take action themselves particularly often. About a third of those affected belong to this perpetrator-victim group.

Those who are being bullied virtually were often already a target in real life, for example because of their appearance. Too fat, too thin, no branded clothing, a different religion - a lot can play a role here. Those who have a lack of self-confidence, are very adjusted and are strongly oriented towards adults, are also more likely to become victims.

From amusement to suicide

At first, many of those affected take the attacks lightly. But very few stay cool - and just react with amusement or anger. In the long term, self-esteem often suffers from the virtual attacks. Stress and psychological problems such as anxiety arise, the victims withdraw and become lonely. In extreme cases, they commit suicide.

15 year old Amanda Todd from Canada committed suicide in October 2012 after years of cyberbullying. A camera chat partner asked her to show her breasts. The naive youngster did this and was then blackmailed with nude photos that the man had taken via screenshots. When she refused to pay, the perpetrator sent the pictures to her friends. Amanda fell into depression and eventually took her own life. The controversial Netflix series “Dead Girls Don't Lie” also shows how bullying (also via smartphones) can drive young people to their deaths.

Some bully out of boredom

The motives of the perpetrators are very different. When it comes to cyberbullying, some people start attacks simply out of frustration or boredom. In a study by the Alliance against Cyberbullying, almost half of the bullies justified their actions with the fact that they were in trouble with the victim, a fifth bullied in order to get revenge, another fifth simply for fun and boredom because others do it too or they think it's cool. Even if bullying is, of course, anything but admirable.

Those who spend a lot of time on the Internet and in social networks are more likely to be the perpetrator. Often it is not the social outsiders who bully, but students who are recognized in the class and have a large circle of friends.

Media literacy helps

The best way to protect yourself against cyberbullying is to learn media skills. For example, you should always think carefully about which data, pictures and videos of yourself you are going to put online.

Those who are affected may hear the advice to turn off their computer and cell phone, but that is often difficult in our media reality. It is important to act quickly because this can limit or even prevent cyberbullying. Affected people should speak to their parents or teachers about the virtual attacks. You can report offensive profiles, representations or pages to any reputable website operator or network provider. Often times, however, the solution to conflicts on the Internet is to be found where the arguments begin: in the school yard in the real world.

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