If you see bullying behaviour online, or through messages, or in person, don’t just let it slide.

Depending on your style and what you feel confident doing, helping your friend could be as easy as talking to them or sending a message to make sure they’re OK. If it feels safe and right, you might even step up and call out the bad stuff you see or read online. There are a number of ways you can take action and go from being a bystander to an upstander.

What to do

Talk to or message your friend

Talk to or message your friend to make sure they’re ok and remind them how awesome they are. Even a simple message can go a long way and make your friend feel like they have support.

Call it out

If you feel confident and safe, stand up to the person doing the bullying, and make it clear that what they’re doing is wrong. It can be tricky going about this without getting too involved, but sometimes just saying ‘Not Cool’ commenting ‘Thumbs down emoji’ when someone is being mean can get your point across.

Get extra help

If you don’t feel up to standing up to the bully, or friend seems like they’re really down or hard done by — it might be time to get some extra help. You could talk to a trusted adult or teacher. 

Help your friend to report online bullying 

Do your bit to make your community, including online a more positive place and report those who are intentionally trying to hurt someone. 

To report online bullying, find links and tips in the eSafety Guide here.