Bullying & cyberbullying
Find out how to get help if you have been bullied, online or in person.
What is bullying & cyberbullying?
Bullying
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.
It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, text, apps, on social media and online forums, or in gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.
Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok
- text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
- instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
- online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
- online gaming communities
What to do
- Tell the person that their behaviour is inappropriate and ask them to stop.
- Keep any evidence of the behaviour, such as photos, emails and messages, screenshots of post or comments.
- Block the person.
- Report the behaviour or seek advice, assistance and support from Victoria University Safer Community.
Seeking help
If you or someone you know has been the victim of bullying or cyberbullying, you can report this behaviour and/or seek support from Safer Community. You can report the behaviour either anonymously or with your contact details by using the online form or you can contact Safer Community directly.
VU Counselling provides free and confidential support to VU Students.
Tip: If you report bullying to Safer Community, it will help us to know what happened, and when. In making your report you may like to provide as with any emails, messages, screenshots or photos you have in relation to the behaviour.
Immediate assistance
If you feel unsafe or threatened on campus, call VU Security or the police:
VU Security:
Police: Call 000
Safer Community
Online form: Report a concern online
Email:
Phone:
VU Counselling appointments
Phone:
More information: Counselling & mental health
External resources
Seek help from external professional support service, such as:
Beyond Blue:
call 1300 22 4636
Bully Zero Foundation:
call 1800 028 559
Headspace:
call 1800 650 890
Human Rights Commission:
call 1300 292 153
That's Not Cool:
An interactive site from the US about where you draw your digital line.
Youth Central :
Advice about understanding the consequences of online actions, knowing what to do if things go wrong, and understanding online security can make your time online safer and more enjoyable.
eSafety Commissioner :
The eSafety Commissioner investigates offensive and illegal online content and work towards rapid removal. The website outlines the process for reporting online abuse. Its toolkit provides targeted advice for university staff and students on how to deal with online abuse and its impacts.
