Being targeted by online abuse can feel overwhelming and isolating. If you or someone you care about is experiencing this, you’ve come to the right place for help. Recent research shows that 67% of UK young people have encountered some form of online harassment, making this one of the most pressing digital safety issues of our time.
This guide provides everything you need to know about cyberbullying, from recognising the warning signs to taking immediate action. You’ll find practical steps for reporting abuse on popular platforms, understanding your legal rights in the UK, and supporting others who may be struggling. Most importantly, you’ll discover that you’re not powerless against online bullies – there are concrete steps you can take right now to regain control.
The digital world should be a space for connection and creativity, not fear and harassment. By understanding what cyberbullying looks like and how to respond effectively, we can work together to create safer online communities for everyone.
Table of Contents
What Does Cyberbullying Look Like? (7 Types Explained)
Cyberbullying isn’t just one type of behaviour – it’s an umbrella term covering various forms of online harassment designed to hurt, embarrass, or intimidate someone. Unlike playground bullying, digital abuse can happen anywhere, anytime, and often involves a much larger audience. The permanent nature of online content means the impact can last far longer than face-to-face incidents.
Understanding exactly what type of cyberbullying you’re experiencing is crucial for knowing how to respond effectively. Different platforms have different reporting mechanisms, and some forms may require immediate police involvement. Here are the seven most common types you need to recognise.
1. Harassment and Threatening Messages
This involves sending repeated, hurtful, or threatening messages through text, email, social media, or gaming platforms. The messages might include:
- Direct threats of violence or harm
- Persistent insults about your appearance, abilities, or background
- Spreading lies or rumours about you
- Sexual harassment or inappropriate comments
- Messages designed to make you feel unsafe or anxious
Example: Someone from school sends you abusive Instagram DMs every day, then comments with insults on all your public posts. When you block them, they create new accounts to continue the harassment.
2. Doxxing (Sharing Private Information)
Doxxing involves publicly sharing your private or personal information without consent. This can include:
- Your home address or school location
- Phone number or email address
- Family members’ information
- Private photos or conversations
- Financial details or passwords
Example: After an argument in an online gaming forum, someone posts your real name, school, and town in the chat, encouraging others to “teach you a lesson.”
3. Social Exclusion and Isolation
Online exclusion means deliberately leaving someone out of digital spaces to make them feel rejected and isolated. This might involve:
- Removing you from group chats without explanation
- Creating new groups that pointedly exclude you
- Ignoring your messages whilst responding to others
- Blocking you from online gaming sessions or Discord servers
Example: Your friend group creates a new WhatsApp chat for planning weekend activities but deliberately doesn’t include you, then discusses their plans in front of you at school.
4. Impersonation and Fake Accounts
This involves someone pretending to be you online to damage your reputation or relationships. They might:
- Create fake social media profiles using your photos
- Hack into your existing accounts
- Send inappropriate messages pretending to be you
- Post embarrassing or offensive content in your name
- Apply for jobs or services using your identity
Example: Someone creates a fake Instagram account with your photos and name, then sends rude messages to your friends and family, making it appear you sent them.
5. Cyberstalking and Monitoring
Cyberstalking is persistent online surveillance that makes you feel unsafe. Warning signs include:
- Someone constantly checking and commenting on your online activity
- Tracking your location through social media posts
- Creating multiple accounts to monitor you after being blocked
- Hacking into your accounts to read private messages
- Following your friends and family online to gather information about you
Example: An ex-partner monitors all your social media activity, comments on everything you post, and contacts people you’re with to ask about your whereabouts.
6. Trolling and Inflammatory Comments
Trolling involves posting deliberately offensive or provocative comments to upset you or provoke a reaction. This includes:
- Posting inflammatory comments on your photos or videos
- Starting arguments in comment sections about sensitive topics
- Making jokes about traumatic events in your life
- Posting content designed to trigger emotional responses
- Encouraging others to join in harassment campaigns
Example: Someone repeatedly posts offensive comments on your TikTok videos, bringing up personal issues they know will upset you, just to see your reaction.
7. Image-Based Abuse and Shaming
This serious form of cyberbullying involves sharing intimate or private images without consent, or creating fake inappropriate images. It includes:
- Sharing private photos you sent in confidence
- Taking screenshots of private video calls
- Creating fake nude images using your face
- Sharing embarrassing photos to humiliate you
- Threatening to share intimate images unless you comply with demands
Example: Someone threatens to share private photos you sent them during a relationship unless you send money or do what they want.
How to Stop Cyberbullying: 5-Step Action Plan
When you’re experiencing cyberbullying, it’s natural to feel angry, upset, or confused about what to do next. However, taking the right steps quickly can help stop the abuse and prevent it from escalating. The key is to act systematically rather than emotionally, which protects both your wellbeing and any potential legal case.
Remember that every situation is different, and you don’t have to handle this alone. These five steps provide a framework for immediate action, but don’t hesitate to involve trusted adults, teachers, or authorities when needed.
Step 1: Document Everything (Evidence Collection)
Before you block the person or delete anything, you need to collect evidence. This documentation is crucial for reporting to platforms, schools, or police.
What to collect:
- Screenshots of all messages, posts, or comments
- URLs of web pages where harassment occurred
- Dates and times of each incident
- Usernames and profile information of the perpetrator
- Any witnesses who saw the behaviour online
How to take proper screenshots:
- Capture the full conversation thread, not just individual messages
- Include usernames, timestamps, and platform information
- Save images in a dedicated folder with clear file names
- Consider using your phone to photograph your computer screen as backup
Step 2: Report on the Platform
Every major social media platform and gaming service has reporting mechanisms for harassment. Use these immediately – they’re often more effective than you might think.
Instagram and Facebook:
- Tap the three dots on the post or message
- Select “Report” and choose “Harassment or bullying”
- Follow the prompts to provide details
- Block the user after reporting
TikTok:
- Press and hold the comment or video
- Select “Report” then “Harassment and bullying”
- Choose the specific type of harassment
- The platform reviews reports within 24-48 hours
WhatsApp:
- Long press the message and select “Report”
- Block the contact immediately
- Report the phone number to WhatsApp
Step 3: Block the User
After collecting evidence and reporting, block the person on all platforms where they’ve contacted you. This prevents further direct harassment and sends a clear message that their behaviour is unacceptable.
Important: Don’t just mute or restrict – fully block them. Muting still allows them to see your content and continue harassment.
Step 4: Tell Someone You Trust
Cyberbullying thrives in secrecy. Breaking that silence by telling a trusted adult is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
Who to tell:
- Parents or guardians
- Teachers or school counsellors
- Older siblings or family members
- Close friends who can offer support
What to share:
- Show them the evidence you’ve collected
- Explain how the situation is affecting you emotionally
- Ask for their help in deciding next steps
- Request support in monitoring the situation
Step 5: Consider Legal Action
If the cyberbullying involves threats, harassment, or sharing private images, it may be a criminal offence under UK law. Don’t hesitate to involve police if:
- You’ve received threats of violence
- Your private information has been shared publicly
- Someone is impersonating you online
- The harassment continues despite blocking and reporting
- You feel unsafe or fear for your physical wellbeing
How to Report Cyberbullying on Popular Platforms
Different platforms have different reporting processes, and knowing the specifics can make your report more effective. Most platforms take harassment seriously, but providing the right information helps them act quickly. Understanding each platform’s community guidelines also helps you make stronger reports that are more likely to result in action.
Here’s exactly how to report cyberbullying on the platforms where it most commonly occurs among UK young people.
Instagram and Facebook Reporting
Instagram has some of the most comprehensive anti-bullying tools among social media platforms.
For Direct Messages:
- Open the conversation with the person harassing you
- Tap their username at the top of the chat
- Select “Report” from the menu
- Choose “They’re posting content that shouldn’t be on Instagram”
- Select “Harassment or bullying”
- Follow the prompts to provide specific details
For Comments or Posts:
- Tap the three dots next to the comment or post
- Select “Report”
- Choose “Harassment or bullying”
- Specify whether it’s directed at you or someone else
- Instagram will review and usually respond within 24 hours
Instagram’s Hidden Words feature: You can automatically filter offensive comments by going to Settings > Privacy > Hidden Words and turning on “Hide offensive comments.”
TikTok Safety Centre
TikTok has invested heavily in safety features, particularly for younger users.
Reporting Process:
- Press and hold the comment, video, or message
- Tap “Report”
- Select “Harassment and bullying”
- Choose the specific subcategory (threats, hate speech, etc.)
- Add additional context in the text box
- Submit the report
TikTok’s response times: Most harassment reports are reviewed within 24-48 hours. Serious threats are prioritised and may be reviewed within hours.
WhatsApp Group Harassment
WhatsApp harassment often happens in group chats where multiple people participate in bullying behaviour.
Immediate steps:
- Long press on offensive messages and select “Report”
- Leave the group chat immediately
- Block individual participants if they continue harassment
- Report the phone number to WhatsApp
For persistent harassment: WhatsApp can ban phone numbers that repeatedly violate their terms of service, but this requires multiple reports from different users.
Gaming Platforms (Discord, Xbox Live)
Gaming platforms often have more complex reporting systems due to voice chat and real-time interaction.
Discord:
- Right-click on the user’s message or name
- Select “Report”
- Choose “Harassment” from the categories
- Provide as much detail as possible about the incident
- Block the user and leave any shared servers if necessary
Xbox Live:
- Press the Xbox button and go to People
- Find the player’s gamertag
- Select “Report” then “Voice communication” or “Text communication”
- Choose “Harassment or bullying”
- Microsoft reviews reports and can issue communication bans
Cyberbullying Laws in the UK
The UK has comprehensive laws protecting people from online harassment, though many people don’t realise how strong these protections are. Understanding your legal rights can help you make informed decisions about when to involve police and what evidence you’ll need. The key is knowing that cyberbullying isn’t just “part of being online” – it’s often a criminal offence with serious consequences for perpetrators.
Recent changes to UK law have strengthened protections against online abuse, particularly around image-based abuse and persistent harassment.
When Cyberbullying Becomes Criminal
Several UK laws can apply to cyberbullying situations:
Protection from Harassment Act 1997: This law makes it illegal to pursue a “course of conduct” that causes alarm or distress. For cyberbullying, this means:
- Two or more related incidents of harassment
- Behaviour that a reasonable person would consider harassment
- The perpetrator knew or should have known their behaviour was harassment
Malicious Communications Act 1988: This covers sending messages that are:
- Grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character
- Sent to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient
- False information sent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, or anxiety
Communications Act 2003: This law addresses:
- Sending messages that are grossly offensive or menacing
- Using public electronic communications networks to cause annoyance or anxiety
- Persistent misuse of electronic communications
Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015: This specifically targets:
- Sharing private sexual images without consent (“revenge porn”)
- Threatening to share intimate images
- Maximum sentence of two years imprisonment
How to Report to Police
If cyberbullying escalates to criminal behaviour, here’s how to report it effectively:
When to call 999:
- You’re receiving immediate threats of violence
- Someone has shared your address online with threatening intent
- You believe you’re in immediate physical danger
When to call 101 (non-emergency):
- For persistent harassment that’s affecting your daily life
- When private images have been shared without consent
- If someone is impersonating you for malicious purposes
- When threats are serious but not immediate
What evidence police need:
- Screenshots of all harassment with timestamps
- Details of the perpetrator (real name if known, usernames, profiles)
- Record of how the situation is affecting you
- Any attempts you’ve made to stop the harassment
- Witness statements from people who’ve seen the abuse
Police response: Most forces now have dedicated cybercrime units. They take online harassment seriously, particularly when it involves young people or vulnerable adults.
Supporting Someone Being Cyberbullied
Watching someone you care about experience cyberbullying can feel helpless, but your support can make a tremendous difference in their recovery. Many victims feel isolated and ashamed, so knowing that someone believes them and wants to help provides crucial emotional support. The key is balancing practical assistance with emotional care, whilst respecting their autonomy in deciding how to respond.
Whether you’re a parent, friend, teacher, or family member, there are specific ways you can help that go beyond just saying “ignore it” or “turn off your phone.”
Warning Signs to Look For
Cyberbullying victims often try to hide what’s happening, either from embarrassment or fear that adults will make the situation worse by restricting their internet access.
Behavioural changes:
- Becoming withdrawn or secretive about online activities
- Reluctance to use their phone or computer
- Mood changes after checking messages or social media
- Avoiding social situations or activities they previously enjoyed
- Changes in sleeping patterns or appetite
- Declining academic performance
Physical signs:
- Appearing anxious or upset after being online
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
- Seeming jumpy or startled when receiving notifications
- Avoiding discussions about school or social activities
Digital behaviour changes:
- Suddenly deleting social media accounts
- Being secretive about who they’re messaging
- Receiving calls or messages at unusual hours
- Appearing distressed after gaming sessions
What Parents Should Do
If you suspect your child is being cyberbullied, your response in the first conversation is crucial for building trust and encouraging them to share what’s happening.
Initial conversation tips:
- Choose a private, comfortable setting without distractions
- Start by expressing concern about changes you’ve noticed
- Avoid immediately asking to see their phone or messages
- Listen without judgment or anger towards the perpetrator
- Reassure them that it’s not their fault
- Thank them for trusting you with this information
Practical support:
- Help them document evidence before it’s deleted
- Contact the school if perpetrators are classmates
- Support them in reporting to relevant platforms
- Consider involving police for serious threats or illegal content
- Arrange counselling support if needed
What not to do:
- Don’t immediately ban them from all social media
- Don’t contact the bully or their parents directly
- Don’t minimise the situation with phrases like “just ignore them”
- Don’t share details with other parents or family members without permission
- Don’t take screenshots of their private messages without asking
Bystander Intervention Guide
If you witness cyberbullying happening to someone else, you have the power to make a positive difference. Research shows that when bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds in 57% of cases.
Safe ways to help:
- Report the content to the platform immediately
- Screenshot evidence to support the victim’s report
- Send a private, supportive message to the person being targeted
- Refuse to share, like, or comment on bullying content
- Speak up in group chats with phrases like “This isn’t okay” or “Leave them alone”
Supporting the victim privately:
- “I saw what happened online. Are you okay?”
- “That person’s behaviour was completely unacceptable”
- “Do you want to talk about what’s been happening?”
- “Have you thought about reporting this? I can help if you want”
- “You don’t deserve to be treated like this”
When not to intervene directly:
- If the situation involves serious threats or violence
- When you don’t know the full context of the situation
- If intervening might put you at risk of harassment
- When the victim has specifically asked people not to get involved
Recovery and Mental Health Support
Experiencing cyberbullying can have lasting effects on your mental health and confidence, but recovery is absolutely possible with the right support and strategies. The impact often extends beyond the actual harassment, affecting how you view yourself and your relationships with others. Understanding that these feelings are normal responses to abnormal treatment is an important first step in healing.
Recovery isn’t about “getting over it” quickly – it’s about rebuilding your sense of safety, self-worth, and trust in online spaces at your own pace.
Dealing with Emotional Impact
The psychological effects of cyberbullying can include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others. These are normal responses to harassment, not character flaws or weaknesses.
Common emotional responses:
- Feeling anxious about checking messages or social media
- Questioning your self-worth or believing negative things said about you
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating on schoolwork
- Feeling isolated from friends and family
- Anger towards the perpetrator or yourself
- Fear that the harassment will start again
Healthy coping strategies:
- Talk to trusted friends or family members about how you’re feeling
- Keep a journal to process your emotions
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness
- Maintain routines that make you feel good about yourself
- Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve mood
- Limit time checking the platforms where harassment occurred
Building emotional resilience:
- Challenge negative thoughts with evidence of your positive qualities
- Surround yourself with supportive people who value you
- Practice self-compassion – treat yourself as kindly as you would a friend
- Set boundaries around online activities that protect your wellbeing
- Celebrate small victories in your recovery process
UK Helplines and Resources
Professional support is available and can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
Childline (0800 1111):
- Free, confidential support for anyone under 19
- Available 24/7 by phone, email, or online chat
- Trained counsellors who understand cyberbullying
- No situation is too big or small to discuss
The Mix (0808 808 4994):
- Support for people aged 13-25
- Free and confidential helpline
- Online support including forums and resources
- Text service available: Text THEMIX to 85258
Mind (0300 123 3393):
- Mental health support and information
- Local Mind services across the UK
- Online resources and self-help tools
- Support for anxiety and depression
Samaritans (116 123):
- Free 24/7 emotional support
- For anyone experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts
- Confidential and non-judgmental listening service
Young Minds Crisis Messenger:
- Text YM to 85258 for free 24/7 crisis support
- Trained volunteers provide emotional support
- Specifically designed for young people in crisis
Building Digital Resilience
Recovery involves not just healing from past harassment but developing confidence to engage safely online in the future.
Creating positive online spaces:
- Curate your social media feeds to include supportive, positive content
- Follow accounts that promote mental health and wellbeing
- Join online communities focused on your interests and hobbies
- Use privacy settings to control who can contact you
- Regular digital detoxes to maintain perspective on online interactions
Preventing future harassment:
- Trust your instincts about people you meet online
- Don’t share personal information with people you don’t know well
- Be cautious about sharing location information
- Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour immediately
- Remember that you have the right to block anyone who makes you uncomfortable
Supporting others:
- Use your experience to help friends recognise cyberbullying
- Speak up when you see harassment happening to others
- Share resources and information about getting help
- Model positive online behaviour in your own interactions
The journey to recovery takes time, and it’s normal to have good days and difficult days. What matters is that you’re taking steps to protect your wellbeing and rebuild your confidence. Remember that the harassment you experienced says nothing about your worth as a person and everything about the character of those who chose to behave badly.
You deserve to feel safe and valued, both online and offline. With support, practical strategies, and time, you can move forward from this experience stronger and more resilient than before.
Remember: If you’re experiencing cyberbullying right now, you don’t have to handle it alone. Reach out to Childline (0800 1111), tell a trusted adult, or contact your local police if you feel unsafe. Help is available, and the situation can improve.