Real tools for real problems: how to handle harassment, rumors, fake accounts, group chat drama, and threats — without losing your peace or your future.
Report
Evidence
Boundaries
Mental Health
Safety First
TeenThreads Reality Check
Cyberbullying is repeated online harm: mean messages, humiliation, rumors, threats, or posting private stuff to hurt you.
It’s not “drama.” It’s a safety issue — and you deserve support.
BoyPower truth: Getting help is strength. Staying silent while it grows is what bullies want.
Urgent red flag: If there are threats, stalking, blackmail, or you feel physically unsafe, tell a trusted adult now.
If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Need confidential emotional support (U.S.)? Call or text 988 or chat at
988lifeline.org.
Quick Jump
1) What Cyberbullying Is (Simple + Real)
Cyberbullying is when someone uses phones, apps, games, or social media to repeatedly harm you or scare you.
- harassment (messages meant to hurt)
- humiliation (posting embarrassing content)
- rumors and “exposing”
- fake accounts / impersonation
- threats or blackmail
- dogpiling (a group attacking one person)
Trusted definition and help:
StopBullying.gov – What is Cyberbullying?
2) Common Types of Cyberbullying (What It Looks Like)
Direct Attacks
- insults, slurs, cruel jokes
- threatening DMs
- spamming comments
Behind-Your-Back Attacks
- rumor pages
- fake screenshots
- edited clips
- impersonation accounts
Social Attacks
- group chat pile-ons
- “everyone block him” campaigns
- exclusion and isolation
Boundary Violations
- sharing private messages
- sharing private photos
- pressure for sexual content
Any sexual content involving minors is illegal to request or share. Report it immediately and tell a trusted adult.
3) Normal vs Not-Normal (Cyber Edition)
Normal (Still Not Fun)
- a one-time disagreement that ends
- someone unfollowing you
- mild teasing that stops when you say “stop”
Not-Normal (Get Help)
- repeated targeting
- threats, stalking, doxxing
- impersonation or deep fake-style edits
- blackmail or pressure for sexual content
- anything affecting school safety or your sleep daily
Trusted prevention + guidance:
StopBullying.gov – Prevention
4) What To Do in the First 48 Hours (The Survival Plan)
Do this in order
- Don’t reply while emotional. Bullies want reaction content.
- Tell a trusted adult. Earlier support = faster stop.
- Save evidence. Screenshots + dates + usernames.
- Block and report. Use in-app tools.
- Lock privacy down. Make accounts private/limited.
- Check safety at school. If it spills into real life, involve school staff.
BoyPower rule: Your job is safety and recovery — not winning an online fight.
5) How To Save Evidence (So Adults Can Help Faster)
Evidence helps schools, platforms, and caregivers take action. Keep it organized.
- screenshot the post/message (include username + timestamp if possible)
- copy the profile link or URL if available
- write down dates, times, and what happened
- save voice notes or images if they were used for threats
- don’t edit the screenshots (keep originals)
If you can’t safely collect evidence, skip it and tell a trusted adult right away.
6) Block + Report Like a Pro
Blocking
- stops most direct contact
- reduces stress and exposure
- prevents “react content”
Reporting
- signals to the platform there’s harm
- can lead to warnings, removals, bans
- helps protect others too
Tip: Report threats, impersonation, and doxxing immediately. Those can become real-world safety issues.
7) School & Real-Life Safety (When Online Turns Offline)
If cyberbullying impacts school (attendance, learning, safety), involve the school early.
Tell School Staff If
- there are threats or fear of confrontation
- people are filming you to mock you
- you are being followed or cornered
- you’re avoiding classes or skipping school
Ask For Support Like
- safe check-ins with a counselor
- seating / schedule adjustments if needed
- supervision in high-risk areas
- help documenting incidents
Trusted youth resource hub:
Youth.gov (resources for youth, families, educators)
8) Mental Health & Stress (Protect Your Brain)
Cyberbullying can mess with sleep, confidence, appetite, and focus. That’s a real health impact — not “being soft.”
Common Stress Signs
- doom-scrolling and panic checking
- sleep problems
- anger spikes or shutting down
- headaches or stomach pain
- avoiding friends or school
Recovery Tools
- mute notifications and take breaks
- talk to a trusted adult
- move your body (walks help)
- stick to sleep routines
- get professional support if it’s heavy
Trusted mental health resources (U.S.):
SAMHSA (treatment and support resources)
988 Lifeline (call/text/chat)
9) If You Witness Cyberbullying (Bystander = Power)
Do’s
- check in privately with the person being targeted
- report harassment (especially threats)
- refuse to like, repost, or “laugh react” at cruelty
- save evidence if it’s safe and helpful
- help them tell a trusted adult
Don’t “fight the bully” in public if it escalates danger. Safety comes first.
10) Reputation Repair (If Rumors or Clips Spread)
Rumors can spread fast. Your goal is calm action, not panic posting.
Smart Moves
- don’t feed the rumor with constant posts
- save evidence and report the content
- ask a trusted adult/school staff for support
- focus on real-life friends and routines
What Not To Do
- threaten back (can backfire)
- post personal “receipts”
- send revenge content
- isolate and suffer alone
BoyPower truth: Your character is what you do next.
Trusted Resources (Official + Reliable)
Use these for facts, reporting, and support.
BoyPower Quiz: Cyberbullying Survival (30 Questions + Answers)
Quick learning check. Keep answers practical and real.
- Q: What is cyberbullying?
A: Repeated online harm like harassment, humiliation, or threats. - Q: What’s the first rule when you’re attacked online?
A: Don’t reply while emotional. - Q: Why save evidence?
A: It helps platforms/schools/adults act faster. - Q: What should you do with threats?
A: Tell a trusted adult and report immediately. - Q: What’s doxxing?
A: Sharing private info (address/phone/school) to harm someone. - Q: Is blocking “weak”?
A: No — it reduces exposure and stress. - Q: Name a “red flag” that needs help.
A: Blackmail, stalking, or repeated threats. - Q: If rumors spread, what’s a smart move?
A: Don’t panic post; document and report. - Q: Can group chats be part of cyberbullying?
A: Yes, through pile-ons and humiliation. - Q: Where can you learn about cyberbullying officially?
A: StopBullying.gov. - Q: What does “evidence” include?
A: Screenshots, dates, usernames, links. - Q: Should you repost “receipts” to win?
A: Usually no — it can escalate harm. - Q: What’s a bystander power move?
A: Report abuse and support the target privately. - Q: What number is for immediate emotional support in the U.S.?
A: 988. - Q: Name one stress sign from cyberbullying.
A: Sleep issues, panic checking, headaches, avoiding school. - Q: What’s one recovery tool for stress?
A: Taking breaks from apps and talking to a trusted adult. - Q: What’s the goal of reporting?
A: Stop harm and protect safety. - Q: Where do you report online exploitation?
A: NCMEC CyberTipline. - Q: Is it okay to ask school for help?
A: Yes — it’s a safety issue. - Q: What’s the TeenThreads bottom line?
A: Safety first, evidence, support, and calm action. - Q: Should you handle ongoing harassment alone?
A: No — involve a trusted adult. - Q: What’s a healthy response to toxic chats?
A: Mute, exit, and protect your peace. - Q: What’s a strong “BoyPower” move in conflict?
A: Choosing safety over revenge. - Q: What is impersonation?
A: Someone pretending to be you online. - Q: Why avoid revenge posts?
A: They can escalate danger and backfire. - Q: Name one official cyber safety resource.
A: CISA Secure Our World. - Q: What’s a smart message to yourself during bullying?
A: “This is serious, and I’m getting support.” - Q: What’s a helpful step if you feel unsafe right now?
A: Contact local emergency services and a trusted adult. - Q: What’s a sign you should take a break from social media?
A: It’s harming sleep, focus, or mental health daily. - Q: What is the goal of this guide?
A: Help you stay safe, get support, and recover.
TeenThreads Final Word
Cyberbullying tries to steal your peace. Don’t let it. Get support early, save evidence, use block/report tools,
and protect your real-life safety. You’re not alone.
Last updated: February 7, 2026