Abuse, hate speech and bullying can affect everyone who is exposed to it - this includes those targeted and bystanders who witness it

Personal issues and life experiences can shape people’s behaviours and lead to insecurities, mental health issues, and a lack of empathy or compassion which can lead to bullying type behaviours

Anxiety, depression and social isolation are just a few of the emotional effects of bullying. These can lead to further problems such as eating disorders, self-harm or even suicide

Some people are more vulnerable than others or have medical conditions that make it harder for them to effectively process and deal with being targeted

Without signs such as tone of voice, facial expressions and body language it is very difficult to tell how a person is experiencing a conversation or how they are truly feeling

Numerous studies have shown that on average, around a third of all internet users have experienced bullying or online abuse. With 59% of the world’s population now using the internet, this is a huge number of people being affected

The internet offers all of us the chance to learn new things, share life experiences and explore new opportunities. Bullying, exclusion and ridicule can stop people having the confidence to pursue their dreams

Banter can also be used to disguise or excuse bullying. The Cybersmile 2020 ‘Banter or Bullying?’ report indicated that 65% of people felt that calling something ‘banter’ or ‘just a joke’ is sometimes used as an excuse or mask for bullying

Apart from bullying and abusing people online being uncool and completely unacceptable, it can also end in a criminal record or even prison time

When technology meets humans it is a two-way exchange. Internet companies and providers can do a certain amount to protect their users, but it is also up to each and every one of us to use the internet responsibly and to look out for ourselves and each other