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Guide · ca. 10 Min.

Cyberbullying

Immediate steps for kids and teens — and calm, clear support for parents.

Outcome: Action plan, gathering evidence, paths for kids and parents, and helpful resources.

Who it's for: Those affected, parents, and caregivers · Last reviewed: 2026-07-13

This guide offers general educational guidance. It does not replace medical, psychological, legal or emergency assistance.

AI-generated content

What Cyberbullying Is

Cyberbullying means that a person is repeatedly hurt, threatened, excluded, or embarrassed through digital channels.

This can include:

  • hurtful or threatening messages
  • embarrassing pictures or videos
  • fake accounts
  • being excluded from groups
  • spreading rumors
  • repeated tagging or commenting
  • attacks in online games
  • sharing personal information

A single argument is not always cyberbullying. It becomes serious when it happens repeatedly, involves targeted humiliation, threats, blackmail, or a clear power imbalance.

What to do now

The first five steps

  1. 1

    Don't respond right away

    Don't react in the heat of the moment. An angry reply can make things worse or spread the situation further.

  2. 2

    Gather evidence

    Save screenshots, usernames, links, dates, and times.

  3. 3

    Block and report

    Use the reporting and blocking features on the platform.

  4. 4

    Talk to someone you trust

    Speak with a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult.

  5. 5

    Get help

    If you receive threats, blackmail, sexual images, or feel very scared, seek professional help immediately.

WARNING

Please don't

  • don't respond publicly with insults
  • don't delete everything before saving evidence
  • don't forward screenshots unnecessarily
  • don't contact the other family right away
  • don't post on behalf of your child without discussing it first
  • don't automatically take away the smartphone as a first reaction
  • don't blame the child

For Parents and Caregivers

Your first reaction often determines whether your child will continue to share.

1

Stay Calm

Try not to show panic or anger. Your child is watching your reaction closely.

2

Thank Them

Show that honesty is appreciated.

“Thank you for telling me.”

3

Don't Punish Immediately

Taking away their device right away might make your child hide future problems.

4

Understand the Situation

Ask calm, open questions.

  • How long has this been happening?
  • Who is involved?
  • Are there any threats?
  • Have any pictures been shared?
  • Is this happening at school too?
  • What do you need from me right now?
5

Take Action Together

Gather evidence, block the person, report it, and involve the school or police if necessary.

6

Follow Up

Talk to your child again within 24–48 hours.

Good starting point

“You won’t get in trouble. I want to understand what happened and help you.”

Go to the conversation guide

For Kids and Teens

You're not alone. You have the right to get help.

1Don't respond right away

You don't have to react immediately. Taking a break often protects you better than a quick reply.

2Gather evidence

Take screenshots with the date, time, and names. Don't delete anything until you have proof.

3Block and report

Use the block and report features in the app. You have the right to protect yourself.

4Talk to a trusted person

Tell someone you trust — a parent, teacher, or another adult.

5Get help immediately if you feel threatened or scared

If you're facing threats, blackmail, sexual images, or feeling very scared: get help right away.

You won't get in trouble for someone insulting, threatening, or pressuring you.

If you don't want to talk to your parents, you can also speak with a teacher, school counselor, helpline, or support service.

Gather Evidence

Save screenshots, usernames, links, dates, and times.

Save or document:

  • complete screenshots
  • profile names and profile links
  • dates and times
  • group or channel names
  • message history
  • threats
  • images or videos
  • any previous reports made on the platform

Important:

  • Try not to crop screenshots in a way that loses important information
  • Do not post evidence publicly
  • Share evidence only with people or organizations that can help resolve the issue
  • Do not unnecessarily save or forward content involving minors; use official reporting channels

Get help immediately if

  • someone threatens physical violence
  • someone knows your home or school and is pressuring you
  • intimate pictures are shared or threatened to be shared
  • money is being demanded
  • a meeting is being forced or requested
  • self-harm or suicide is mentioned
  • an adult contacts the child in a sexual way
  • the child feels very scared or unsafe
Open help linesOfficial reporting channelsEmergency call

What happens next?

  • Check together if the account is secure.
  • Follow up again after 24–48 hours.
  • Inform the school if classmates are involved.
  • Watch for changes in sleep, anxiety, withdrawal, and school avoidance.
  • Seek professional help if the stress continues.
  • Document what actions have already been taken.

Want to talk to someone?

Find free and independent support services for children, teens, parents, and caregivers in your country.

Find help

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