Hi. I’m Gabriela.

And today, I’m not here to talk about firewalls or viruses.

I’m here to talk about words that hurt.

About online actions that leave real scars.

I’m here to talk about cyberbullying.

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What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying happens when someone intentionally humiliates, threatens, exposes, or attacks another person using digital platforms.

This can happen through:

• Social media
• Messaging apps and group chats
• Online games
• Emails
• Anonymous platforms

Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying follows you home.

It lives on your phone.

It can happen 24/7, often in silence.

And its impact can be serious.

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Real Examples of Cyberbullying

Repeated Offensive Messages

Insults or harassment in WhatsApp, Discord, or group chats.

Sharing Private Content Without Permission

Screenshots of personal conversations or images spread publicly.

Fake Profiles and Impersonation

Accounts created to mock, shame, or stalk someone.

Public Humiliation

Exposing mistakes, photos, or personal details just to cause embarrassment.

Anonymous Threats

Messages designed to intimidate, scare, or emotionally break someone.

Online Gaming Abuse

Harassment during games, coordinated attacks, or abusive chat behavior.

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Signs You Might Be Experiencing Cyberbullying

If you notice any of these, take them seriously:

• Anxiety when checking your phone
• Fear of opening social media
• Feeling ashamed or sad after reading messages
• Drop in school performance
• Isolating yourself from friends
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Constant anger or helplessness

This is not “being dramatic.”

This is real emotional harm.

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Real Situations That Became Serious

A 14-year-old had edited photos shared in school groups and developed depression.

A 16-year-old received anonymous messages mocking their appearance and self-harmed before asking for help.

A 17-year-old gamer was targeted by coordinated harassment and quit online spaces entirely.

Cyberbullying can leave deep emotional marks.

But it can be stopped.

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How to Protect Yourself from Cyberbullying

Do Not Feed the Attack

If possible, don’t respond with anger. Reactions give power to the aggressor.

Save Everything

Take screenshots. Keep usernames, dates, and messages. This is evidence.

Block and Report

Every platform has reporting tools. Use them without hesitation.

Use Privacy Settings

Control who can comment, message you, tag you, or see your content.

Limit Personal Exposure

Avoid sharing personal details like location, school, schedules, or private images.

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When to Ask for Help — and Who to Talk To

You do not have to handle this alone.

Talk to someone you trust:

• Parents or guardians
• Teachers or school counselors
• School psychologists
• Child protection services or official reporting channels

If the situation feels overwhelming, asking for help is the right move.

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If Someone Tells You They’re Being Cyberbullied

Listen Without Judging

Let them talk. Don’t minimize their pain.

Stand With Them

Support matters more than advice at first.

Help Save Evidence and Report

Screenshots and reports can stop the abuse.

Tell a Trusted Adult

This is not “snitching.” It’s protection.

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Gabriela’s Final Message

The internet should be a place for learning, connection, and creativity.

If it becomes a place that hurts you, something is wrong — and it can be changed.

Staying silent does not make you strong.

Asking for help does not make you weak.

Protecting yourself makes you brave.

— Gabriela, Cyber Heroes League