“Your pain is real—and you’re not alone.”
💔 What Hurts Online, Hurts for Real
Cyberbullying isn’t “just online drama.” It’s not “just words on a screen.” It’s real pain that happens in real time—and it can leave lasting scars.
Whether it’s a cruel DM, an embarrassing screenshot, or being ghosted by your group chat, cyberbullying hurts. And if you’ve been there—or you’re in it right now—I want you to know something first:
You are not overreacting. You are not weak. You are not alone.
🎭 What Cyberbullying Can Look Like
It’s not always obvious. Some cyberbullying is loud and direct. Some of it is sneaky and subtle. Here’s what it might look like:
- 💬 Harassing comments or DMs
- 📸 Posting embarrassing pics or videos without consent
- 🚫 Group exclusion—blocking, ghosting, or leaving someone out on purpose
- 🗣️ Spreading rumors or lies
- 🧠 Manipulation or emotional blackmail
- 🧊 Fake friend behavior—laughing at you in secret chats, but being nice to your face
If something feels like bullying to you, it is.
🧠 What It Can Do to You (And Why That Matters)
Cyberbullying isn’t “just annoying.” It can lead to:
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety and panic
- Isolation
- Depression
- Fear of going online
That’s not weakness. That’s your nervous system trying to protect you from harm. And that’s valid.
🛑 You Have the Right to Protect Yourself
Here’s what you can do if you’re being cyberbullied:
- Block the person. You do not owe access to anyone who hurts you.
- Screenshot the messages, posts, or images. Save evidence—it’s important.
- Report the behavior on the platform. Most social media apps have tools for this.
- Mute or hide certain words from showing up in your comments (yes, this is a thing).
- Tell someone—a trusted adult, teacher, counselor, or even a friend.
It is not “snitching.” It is self-defense.
💪 Survival ≠ Silence
You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t bother you. You don’t have to act tough. Survival means staying whole—not staying silent.
And if someone says, “It’s just a joke,” or “You’re too sensitive,” you can say:
“If it hurts, it matters. And I don’t have to accept it.”
📱 Cysecsis’ Digital Armor for When It Gets Rough
- Take breaks from apps—log off without guilt
- Curate your feed—follow uplifting, safe accounts
- Use private accounts or close friends lists to control who sees what
- Don’t clap back—you don’t owe bullies your energy
- Journal or voice-note your feelings to process what’s happening
🤝 If You See It, Say Something
If you see someone being bullied online, don’t ignore it. Even a private message saying “I see you, I believe you, I’m here” can change everything.
You don’t have to fight trolls in public—but you can fight silence.
🧘 Healing Is Strength
You are allowed to cry. To feel numb. To be angry. To delete an app for your own peace. That’s not quitting. That’s healing. And healing takes guts.
One day, your heart will hurt less. One day, the comments will feel smaller. One day, you’ll look back and see how far you came.
You are not what they said about you.
You are not the DM. Not the rumor. Not the silence.
You are you. And you are still here.
Coming next: Oversharing Online—Where’s the Line?
We’re talking thirst traps, trauma dumps, and finding your balance.
