In the digital lives of preteens and teens, the terms “cyberbullying” and “digital drama” are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences and unique ways to respond to each. Let’s start with a quiz.
Quiz: Is it Cyberbullying or Digital Drama?
- Ava and Itzia are calling each other mean names on social media following a conflict that started at school. Cyberbullying or Digital Drama?
- A photo secretly taken of Josh changing in the locker room is being shared online. After being shared widely via text messages, the photo is edited to include humiliating comments and reposted on social media several times. Cyberbullying or Digital Drama?
- Harmful comments and rumors about the cheerleaders are being repeatedly shared on a platform that allows anonymous posts. Cyberbullying or Digital Drama?
Answer: At first glance, scenarios #2 and #3 appear to be cyberbullying because the harmful behaviors are intentional and repeated. Scenario #1 is likely digital drama, but context is important in all these scenarios, so let’s dive deeper into definitions.
Cyberbullying vs. Digital Drama: What’s the Difference?
Cyberbullying is a form of online harassment that involves repeated, deliberate, and hostile behavior intended to harm or scare someone. It can take many forms, such as:
- Sending hurtful or threatening messages
- Posting embarrassing or private information or photos about someone online
- Spreading rumors or lies about someone
- Impersonating someone online
- Threatening or attempting to coerce a victim to do things they do not want to do
Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on targets, leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Responding to Cyberbullying
If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, it’s essential to seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional. These behaviors are harmful and unacceptable and need to stop. Depending on the situation, schools have the authority to respond to cyberbullying. Many states also have laws to protect citizens against digital abuse when someone is experiencing repeated, ongoing harassment or threats online.
If your child or teen is being cyberbullied, there are things they can do in addition to seeking help:
- Don’t engage. Engaging with the person(s) bullying may only make the situation worse.
- Screenshot and record. Screenshot social media posts and save messages and texts to document the abuse.
- Block, unfollow or leave. If the harassment comes from a specific person or group, block them on social media, text, or email and/or leave the group chat.
- Report the abuse. If the harassment violates the terms of service of the website or platform where it occurs and school policy, report it to the platform moderators or administrators.
- Seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional.
Understanding Digital Drama
Digital drama is a term used to describe online conflict or everyday disagreements between peers. It may involve things like:
- Arguing with someone online
- Posting negative or sarcastic comments about someone
- Gossiping about someone online
Digital drama can be hurtful and annoying, but it is not usually as harmful as cyberbullying. It tends not to be repeated and focuses on peer conflict. However, digital drama can escalate into cyberbullying if it becomes more severe.
Responding to Digital Drama
While digital drama may not seem as serious as cyberbullying, it still can have a harmful effect on kids and teens. When it happens, whether your child is involved in it or watching it from afar—support them in the same ways you would any other peer drama. For example, you might encourage them to take the conflict offline and try to calmly resolve it in person, or use these moments to teach your child about healthy digital communication.
In Summary
When it comes to cyberbullying and digital drama, it can be difficult to determine whether situations are online conflict, mean behavior, or cyberbullying. When the behavior is repeated, harmful, intentional, and directed at a person or group, it is likely cyberbullying. Sometimes peer conflict or mean behavior online escalates into cyberbullying. At that point, it tends to feel more one-directional, harmful, and targeted. If you are being cyberbullied, be sure to seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional. Remember, you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help.
About Jessica Speer:
Jessica Speer is the award-winning author of books for kids and teens, including The Phone Book - Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships and Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised.Blending social science, stories, and activities, her writing unpacks tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She has a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and a knack for writing about complex topics in ways that connect with kids and teens. For more information, visit www.JessicaSpeer.com