Stop Cyberbullying Day. Real stories, real action

Today, 60% of internet users have experienced bullying, harassment or abuse online, according to Cybersmile, the not-for-profit committed to digital wellbeing. The harm is widespread—but so is the potential for change.

To mark Stop Cyberbullying Day (20 June 2025), we asked ACS members to share how they’re promoting cyber kindness in their communities. The response was powerful—proof that even in a vast digital world, small, human actions can create meaningful change.

This article shares what we learned, what our members are doing, and how every tech professional can help make the internet a safer, more inclusive place.

 

Cyberbullying is evolving. And so must we

Cyberbullying has moved beyond social media and into professional spaces—collaboration tools, work networks, even coding communities. It often hides behind workplace hierarchies and unclear policies.

It can look like:

  • Harassment and impersonation

  • Doxing and stalking

  • Exclusionary interactions and coordinated reputational attacks

As the ACS Promise of Diversity report makes clear, this isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a systemic barrier. Women, culturally diverse professionals and early-career technologists are often the most affected. Many face abuse when they speak up, leading to withdrawal from leadership roles or the industry altogether.

“Cyberbullying doesn’t always look like name-calling or public shaming. It can also take the form of manipulation, deception and betrayal. I learned that the hard way.”

—Oveena Widyaratne, Founder and Data Engineer at Typpio

Oveena’s story is a reminder that the impacts of cyberbullying run deep. After being targeted by scammers and mocked when she spoke up, Oveena channelled her experience into building Typpio, a platform using AI-powered typing biometrics to protect identity online. Her mission: a digital world where people feel safe to be themselves, without fear of judgment or exclusion.

 

Oveena's story

Oveena Widyaratne is the founder and data engineer at Typpio, a tech company building AI-powered typing biometrics that redefine how we protect identity online. Beyond the technology, what drives Oveena is the vision of a digital world where people feel safe being themselves without fear of abuse, judgment, or exclusion. 
 
“Some time ago, I became the target of an online scam that didn’t just compromise my financial stability, it shook my confidence and made me question my judgment.” After the initial scam, what followed was mockery, the “I should’ve known better” comments and the silence when Oveena tried to speak up. “That’s a quieter kind of cyberbullying, but it cuts just as deep.” In Oveena’s experience, victims are often blamed, ridiculed or dismissed when what they need most is understanding and support. 
 
“That experience is why I now work on tech like Typpio. Whether it’s mentoring young innovators or moderating safe discussions, I try to be part of the change we all want to see: an internet that’s not just smart, but human.” 

Inclusion starts with safety

Online exclusion undermines diversity everywhere. According to the ACS Implementing D&I Reference Guide, cyberbullying often begins with subtle microaggressions or digital silencing and worsens in environments with poorly defined boundaries.

Creating inclusive online spaces means:

  • Enforcing clear codes of conduct 

  • Offering confidential reporting options

  • Addressing abuse directly, not just when it escalates

Jonathan Nalder, ACS ICT GISP Project Manager, is putting this into action. as ACS supports EsportsAble, a program led by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) designed to build safe, supportive gaming communities. 

Jonathan's story

The EsportsAble project addresses challenges such as cyberbullying and excessive gaming by implementing safety protocols, conducting awareness training and fostering positive interactions through mentorship and guided community involvement. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate and help set healthy routines, time limits and encourage open communication about online safety. 

By promoting esports in a way that prioritises mental wellbeing and inclusion, the EsportsAble program empowers children to thrive while gaining valuable life skills. 

ACS supports several school-based initiatives to guide students into successful tech careers and is proud to collaborate with EsportsAble. “We’re inviting all 53 of our partner schools to take part in EsportsAble,” says Jonathan Nalder, ACS ICT GISP Project Manager. “The resources, mentorship and positive engagement to counter cyberbullying before it starts are invaluable.” You can find out more about the program here.

Small actions, big impact—5 ways to help stop cyberbullying

Every tech professional has a role to play. Here’s how you can contribute:

  1. Design for inclusion and safety 
    Build platforms with accessibility, reporting tools, and safe-by-default features.

  2. Speak up and set the tone 
    Model respectful online behaviour and call out abuse when you see it.

  3. Mentor and support others 
    Especially younger or marginalised colleagues who face greater digital risk.

  4. Promote digital literacy 
    From school partnerships to onboarding programs, education builds resilience.

  5. Practice digital empathy 
    Communicate with clarity, kindness, and respect on every platform you use.

Chathuranga Jayasekara is a cybersecurity graduate and ACS member who works to make the internet safer by actively embracing many of these actions.

 

Chathuranga's story

Chathuranga Jayasekara spreads awareness about general cybersecurity practices. “ As a cybersecurity graduate, I actively spread awareness about general cybersecurity practices for all audiences. Recently, I published an article on my blog on what you need to consider when sharing your degree, highlighting the sensitive information that might be exposed.” Chathuranga regularly writes articles to help his community on topics like why you should use a password manager. His efforts are part of a mission to raise cybersecurity awareness within the general community and contribute towards making the internet a safer place for everyone. 

Take action today

This Stop Cyberbullying Day, reflect on the culture you’re helping to create online. Be part of the shift from bystander to changemaker. Let’s build a tech sector that’s not just smart, but kind.

  • Share this article and start a conversation in your workplace

  • If you or someone you know is experiencing online abuse, find support at Bully Zero.