Supporting a Friend Online Can Make a Real Difference
Cyberbullying doesn’t only affect the person being targeted.
Friends who witness it often feel unsure about what to do or afraid of making things worse.
Cyber awareness helps you understand how to support someone safely, calmly, and effectively.
Being there for a friend matters more than having the perfect response.
Why Friends Play an Important Role
People who are being cyberbullied may feel:
embarrassed
isolated
afraid to speak up
unsure who to trust
A supportive friend can help break that silence.
You don’t need to solve everything — support is already powerful.
Real Situations Young People Encounter
Scenario 1: Seeing Hurtful Messages in a Group Chat
A student notices a friend being targeted repeatedly in a group chat.
Others stay silent.
Silence can feel like agreement to the person being hurt.
Scenario 2: A Friend Shares Something Privately
A friend sends screenshots and says:
“I don’t know what to do.”
They may be testing whether it’s safe to talk.
Listening matters.
Scenario 3: Public Comments Targeting a Friend
A friend posts online.
Negative comments start appearing.
Even a single supportive response can change how the situation feels.
What You Can Do as a Friend
You can support safely by:
listening without judgment
letting them know they’re not alone
acknowledging that what’s happening is not okay
asking how they want to be supported
Support starts with empathy.
What Not to Do
Even with good intentions, it’s best to avoid:
responding aggressively to the bully
sharing the situation publicly without consent
minimizing their feelings
telling them to “just ignore it”
These reactions can increase stress.
Helping a Friend Take Safe Steps
You can gently encourage your friend to:
save evidence like messages or screenshots
use block or report tools
talk to a trusted adult or school staff
step away from harmful conversations
Support them without forcing decisions.
When You Should Involve an Adult
It’s important to seek adult help if:
the behavior is ongoing
there are threats or intimidation
your friend feels unsafe
school involvement is needed
Asking for help is responsible — not betrayal.
Supporting Without Becoming a Target
You can help without putting yourself at risk by:
checking in privately
reporting content through platform tools
avoiding public arguments
following school or community guidelines
Your safety matters too.
Being a Positive Presence Online
You can help shift the tone by:
posting respectful messages
not engaging with harmful content
supporting kindness in group spaces
Positive behavior influences digital culture.
Why This Matters
Support from friends can:
reduce feelings of isolation
encourage seeking help
limit harm
restore confidence
Small actions can have a big impact.
How This Makes You a Cyber Hero
A cyber hero stands with others.
By supporting a friend facing cyberbullying:
you show empathy
protect emotional well-being
encourage safe solutions
help build respectful digital spaces
Awareness turns support into action.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative