Cyberbullying: Recognising, acting and preventing

In short: Cyberbullying is repeated insulting, exposing or excluding online; those affected should secure evidence, block, report and get help.

In more detail: Cyberbullying takes place via chats, social networks, games and videos. It is especially stressful because it happens around the clock, has a large audience and content is hard to delete. It is not “fun” and can be a criminal offence (insult, defamation, threats, violation of the right to one’s own image).

In Depth

Recognising

Typical forms: insults and threats, rumours, embarrassing photos or videos, fake profiles, exclusion from groups, publishing private data (doxxing). Signs in those affected: withdrawal, sleep problems, mood swings, fear of the phone or school.

If you are affected

1. Do not reply and do not strike back.
2. Secure evidence: screenshots with date, name and link.
3. Block and report to the platform.
4. Involve a trusted person: parents, teachers, trainers, works council/youth representation.
5. Counselling: local helplines and peer-counselling services; police for threats.
6. For criminal content file a report; lawyers or consumer advice centres help with deletion claims. It is not your fault.

If you are a witness

Do not join in, do not like or forward. Offer the affected person support privately, report content and inform adults. Silence protects the perpetrators.

Preventing

Check privacy settings, share little private information publicly, use strong passwords and two-factor, think before posting (“Would I say this to their face?”). Workplaces and vocational schools should also have contact points. A culture in which seeking help is normal works best.

See also: Right to one’s own image, Data protection in everyday life, Deepfakes