Find out how to get help if you have been bullied, online or in person.
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.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets.
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 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:
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.
Safer community:
Email: safer.community@vu.edu.au
Online form: Report a concern online
Phone: +61 3 9919 5707
VU Counselling appointments:
Phone: +61 3 9919 5400
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.
If you feel unsafe or threatened on campus, call security or the police:
VU Security: +61 3 9919 6666
Police: 000
Seek help from external professional support service, such as:
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.
