Cyberbullying: When Children Are Bullied Online (in Simple Language)
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Not every stupid comment is bullying. Not every shared photo is bullying. It becomes bullying when incidents are repeated and the victim suffers more and more. Digital media are part of everyday life—and that’s why bullying can happen there, too.
Bullying and cyberbullying often happen at the same time. Victims are hurt both offline and online. Insults spread much faster on the internet. They’re harder to track down. The perpetrators usually come from the victim’s personal circle and can more easily remain anonymous.
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables new forms of cyberbullying. Some of these are particularly harmful to victims. The content causes even greater harm. At the same time, it is harder to detect and expose. Children and adolescents are particularly at risk.
This guide explains
- what cyberbullying means and how it manifests,
- how parents can protect their children if classmates or people in their social circle attack and hurt them through digital channels,
- what consequences cyberbullying can have,
- whether cyberbullying is a criminal offense,
- and how parents can recognize early signs that a child might be at risk.
With this guide, parents can help their children navigate digital spaces safely.
This guide was developed in cooperation with Aktion Mensch .