ShopCyberbullying: what to do right now
Cyberbullying doesn't stop at the school door. It comes home with you, onto your phone, into bed at night. The upside: online, a lot can be saved and proven. Here's the order to do it in.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying through phones and the internet: mean messages, embarrassing photos or videos, lies in the group chat, fake accounts, kicking someone out of a chat on purpose. Because posts spread fast and stick around, it often hits especially hard.
Right now: save, report, block
Don't reply, even if you really want to. Every reply gives them more material.
Save proof: screenshots that show the date, time and the account it came from. Don't delete anything before you've saved it, not even your own account.
Report the posts on the platform and block the accounts.
Tell an adult you trust and show them what you saved. You don't have to handle this alone.
If photos of you are being shared
A photo of you being posted without your okay is something you can act on. Our article on photos posted without permission walks you through it step by step.
If it involves nude or sexual images: never forward them, not even to warn someone. Sharing sexual images of anyone under 18 is a serious crime. If the image is of you and was taken before you turned 18, the free tool Take It Down from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can help get it removed. The image stays on your device; only a digital fingerprint is shared. You can also report to their CyberTipline. And under the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, covered platforms have to remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of a valid request.
Is cyberbullying illegal?
There's no single federal cyberbullying law. But threats, stalking, harassment and sharing intimate images without consent can be crimes, and many states have laws that cover electronic harassment. If you're threatened or in danger, call 911.
Help, any time
If it feels like too much, call or text 988. It's free, confidential and open 24/7. More options are on our help page.
Photo posted without permission Story: The photo no one was supposed to see Find help
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FAQ
What should I do if I'm being cyberbullied?
Don't reply, take screenshots, report and block the accounts, and tell an adult you trust. Don't delete anything before you've saved proof.
Should I delete my account?
Not right away. Save all the proof first. After that you can make your account private, limit comments or take a break.
Is cyberbullying a crime?
There's no single federal cyberbullying law, but threats, stalking, harassment and sharing intimate images without consent can be crimes, and many states cover electronic harassment.
How do I get a nude photo of me taken down?
If you were under 18 in the image, use Take It Down from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, free and anonymous. Platforms also have to act on valid removal requests within 48 hours.
ELSEWISE tells stories. We are not psychologists, doctors or counselors, and we can't give you personal advice. If something is weighing on you, talk to someone you trust or contact one of the services on our help page.