What To Do Against Cyber-bullying?

When is it cyber-bullying? What does the law say? You can find information and help here.

Has someone ever spread nasty photos of you? Or taken over your Instagram account? Have you posted hurtful comments on a post? Cyber-bullying can look very different. The fact is that it hurts people. Sometimes people think they are being “funny” and don’t even really realize how much the person is suffering. Because with cyber-bullying, you are not there when the other person sees the nasty attacks. Many then talk themselves into believing what they have just done or put the “blame” on the person concerned. The motto is, please go away, and don’t be so touched. But words hurt and cyber-bullying is now clearly a criminal offence!

What is cyber-bullying?

Cyber-bullying refers to insulting, exposing, threatening, insulting or harassing someone purely via digital media. Cyber-bullying involves sharing humiliating messages on social networks or messengers (e.g. WhatsApp). People are called names, insulted, threatened and excluded from game clans and WhatsApp groups. Hate groups are opened; fake profiles are created and published with intimate or embarrassing photos and videos.

Cyber-bullying is punishable by law. Since the beginning of 2021, it is also possible to file a complaint for a single set act – in the past, it took several. The law additionally states that this act is perceptible to a larger number of people for a longer period of time, which is, for example, something that remains posted in a WhatsApp group.

What can I do against cyber-bullying?

• Secure evidence

Even if you are not quite sure how you want to deal with cyber-bullying against you, it is advisable to secure evidence. For example, in case you decide to file a complaint at a later point in time.

You can save evidence with screenshots, for example. It is best to take pictures of the entire thread, and the date of the postings is also important. The username or profile information of the assaulted user can also be important evidence.

• Reporting cyber-bullying

Maybe you have had disappointing experiences in the past when you reported problematic content directly to the online platform. Since 2021, there is a new law in Austria that obliges large communication platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat & Co. to delete illegal content within 24 hours or 7 days. This illegal content includes cyber-bullying (see below for a detailed explanation of the legal provisions on cyber-bullying).

Reporting cyber-bullying is a simple and important way for you to defend yourself against cyber-bullying. You can also report it if you are not affected by it yourself, but you notice it online. The person being reported will not know who reported them!

Instagram and Facebook have already introduced the reporting option under the KoPl-G (Communications Platforms Act).

In the privacy guides of Saferinternet.at you will find instructions on how to report cyber bullying directly to the online platforms.

You are also welcome to contact our counseling services if you have questions or if the online platform does not take action despite your report. We have contact possibilities to some online platforms in case of problematic content and can support you in this way.

• Blocking users

To prevent a person from posting on your profile, you can block that person directly. You can also block individual words, sentences or emojis. Instructions on blocking and blocking content can also be found in the privacy guides of Saferinternet.at.

• Responding to cyber-bullying?

If possible, do not reply to messages that harass or annoy you. They want you to scold them back or get upset.

Try to think calmly and inform yourself. Is the comment already a punishable offence? Then you could point it out objectively. For example, send a private message saying “I have checked, your comment is punishable under §XY (insert appropriate law)”. This way you don’t directly address the content of the insult, but you show that you won’t put up with everything.

• Get support!

Many people get the feeling that it is somehow their own fault. Maybe that’s what others want you to think. But it is not your fault if someone behaves badly towards you. Talk to people who are close to you about what is happening. They can build you up and help you think about what you can do. Most of the time it is a great relief to share problems with another person. Contact persons can be friends, siblings, your parents, teachers, youth workers or counseling centers.

• Filing a complaint as an option

Cyber-bullying is a criminal offence and can be reported to any police station. You can decide for yourself whether this is an option for you.

If you report cyber-bullying, you can take a confidant with you. You should also take the evidence with you. The police will record the complaint and give you a report. It is important to know that a report of cyber-bullying cannot be withdrawn later. The police carry out investigations and forward the results of the investigations to the public prosecutor’s office. The public prosecutor’s office then decides whether there will be a court hearing or whether the case will be dropped or whether there will be a diversion (e.g. community service, fine).

Help others

If you see someone being bullied, don’t join in and intervene, preferably with others. When the perpetrator realizes that the victim will not be left alone, the insults often stop quickly. In an emergency, get help from adults you trust.

For further help and support  — Speak with a licensed therapist today.