What is online abuse?
Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the Internet. It can happen across any device that’s connected to the web, such as computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
It can happen in different ways, including use of the following:
- Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Text messages and messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Kik
- Video messaging
- Emails
- Online chats
- Online gaming
- Live-streaming sites
Abuse online can be:
- Cyberbullying
- Emotional abuse, such as being emotionally exploitative
- Grooming
- Sexting – messages with overly sexual content
- Sexual exploitation
Recognising online abuse
You may find that someone close to you who is experiencing online abuse might:
- Spend more or less time than usual online – texting, gaming or using social media.
- Seem distant, upset or angry after using the Internet or messaging.
- Be secretive about who they’re talking to and what they’re doing online or on their mobile phone.
- Have lots of new phone numbers, texts or email addresses on their mobile phone, laptop or tablet.
Some signs of abuse online can be similar to other types of abuse:
- Cyberbullying
- Exploitation
- Grooming
- Sexual abuse
Online abuse can have long-lasting effects for us, our children and young people. It can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts