More often than not, the stereotypical bullying people think of is the “shoving into lockers” or the “stealing the lunch money” kind. It’s cliche, and the type most often portrayed in the media. However, in the last 20 years, there’s been a shift in what bullying actually looks like. If anyone’s watched the original Karate Kid, kids today don’t really go around chasing people in skeleton costumes trying to beat them up. If anything, it’s more productive—and way easier—to hide behind a screen and beat up someone that way.

Cyberbullying is, according to UNICEF, “bullying with the use of technologies.” This can involve social media, video games, and messaging apps. Cyberbullying isn’t all that new, as it’s been ingrained into young people’s minds through the school system or parental figures telling them to avoid it and to “Be Kind.” You may be rolling your eyes right now, thinking, “I’ve heard all this before.”

A 2022 survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 46% of teens, ages ranging from 13-17, report experiencing cyberbullying. These experiences ranged from offensive name-calling to having explicit images shared without consent. That’s what is happening; the sort of bullying that you really can’t fight against, and no visible wounds that can prove your case. 

The best part of it all? You can be completely anonymous. Old-school bullying takes more time, effort, and guts. Today, bullying only needs a keyboard and internet access. It’s scary and isolating; a combination equivalent to hell for most adults. These are children.

The best actions to take if you are being cyberbullied are to reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or counselor. Don’t ignore it, report it.