There are methods of tracing cyberbullies and harassers: anonymity is not a shield from detection. Both the police and service providers have the capacity to trace through even the most tech-savvy “disguise”.
Remember that anything posted on the internet is likely to leave a permanent record, which effectively becomes your online reputation; accessible to schools, employers, clubs and others who may be researching you now or in the future. A negative online reputation can seriously harm your future career prospects and life in general.
Our experiences shape what kind of people we become, and if you use social media to bully or harass anyone you have to live with your actions.
There have been several studies which show that cyberbullies are more prone to depression than non-bullies. Whilst your actions may make you feel good at the time, intentionally hurting or upsetting someone can impact on your ability to make friends, lead to emotional difficulties, behaviour issues, substance abuse and has even been shown to lead to abusive relationships and greater periods of unemployment in adult life. Bystanders can also suffer with increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
So don’t bully or harass and don’t be a bystander!
