Getting bullied is horrible. So is seeing your friends or people you know getting bullied.

Here are a few things you could do to help if you know someone getting is being bullied online.

Look Out For Them

If you think your friend’s mood changes, it could be because of the bullying. They might seem worried and stressed, or really tired because they haven’t been sleeping and their mental health is suffering.

It could affect their concentration and focus, and make them seem distant. They might not show up for things you had planned, thinking that it is better to stay at home so they can protect themselves.

Keep an eye out for any change in your friend’s behaviour. And if you are concerned for them, offer support or speak to someone you trust to see if they can help.

Reach Out

Get in touch with them and ask if they are okay. They may not want to talk about it at this moment in time, but they’ll feel a bit happier knowing that someone is looking out for them. It’s likely that they’ll have been feeling a bit lonely, and you being there for them will help a lot.

You could show them how to block someone to stop it happening again or encourage them to ask someone they trust for help, like a family member or trusted adult.

Don’t Share

If you see something online that appears to be funny, stop and think if it really is fun, or if it is being mean or bullying.

If it is, don’t share it, comment or like it. Even if you are replying to support the person who is getting bullied, contact them in private rather than post anything in public.

Reacting to the bullying, even with the best intentions, can sometimes make it worse for the person at the centre of it all.