Recognize

If you or someone you know is currently in danger from cyberbullying, harassment, or stalking, call 911. DON’T WAIT!

Threats of violence, child pornography, unauthorized sexually explicit messages or photos, or photos/videos taken in private places should always be reported immediately to your local law enforcement authority.

If you are safe, we recommend that you follow our guidelines below and then proceed to our Report, Recover and Reinforce sections for further assistance.

Some Immediate Action Steps to Take

  • Stop all communication with the bully(ies), it’s important to not respond.
  • Bullies are looking for a reaction. Block the person from your phone, email, and/or social media accounts.
  • Seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or a professional counselor.
  • Keep a record of the dates, times, people involved and descriptions of when the bullying occurred.
  • Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages as evidence.
  • Report the behavior, with the details, to the website company and/or cell phone service provider.

Report

Reporting your incident is very important! You will help law enforcement track these types of incidents and help them decrease cybercrime. They can also provide you with useful information about what next steps to take and share your report with other law enforcement partners.

File a police report. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. If the issue doesn’t place you in immediate danger, call the non-emergency number of your local law enforcement officials. State that you would like to make a report about cyberbullying. Local Law Enforcement officials will have varied procedures depending on where you live but be prepared to provide them with your personal information and details of the incident. Not sure if you need to contact law enforcement; if you or your child has received or experienced one of the following take action and contact law enforcement immediately:

  • Threats of violence or bodily harm.
  • Sexually explicit messages or photos, or child pornography.
  • Stalking or hate crimes.
  • Pictures of yourself or child in a place where you should expect privacy, such as your home.

Make a complaint online if the bullying was not violent or sexual.

Contact the school so that they can enforce their policies. Officials at the school need to know about the bullying because cyberbullying is often related to in-person bullying.

Be prepared to provide evidence of the bullying when you make your report.

Report the Issue to the Social Networking Site Where the Bullying Occurred

Recover

These resources have been gathered, selected and vetted to help you recover after being bullied. You may need to contact organizations outside FightCybercrime.org. Results will vary depending on your circumstances.

Reinforce

Once you have notified the right organizations and you are on the road to recovery, it is time to reinforce your online safety using these resources and tools.

Find Out More About How You Can Help Prevent Cyberbullying

Help Protect Yourself Now and in the Future

  • Keep your account passwords a secret from your friends.
  • Set up privacy settings on your accounts to control who sees your information.
  • Talk to a trusted family member or friend about any cyberbullying messages you receive or things you see online that make you sad or scared.
  • If you believe you are being cyberbullied – speak up – report it to a person of authority.
  • Seek out the help of a counselor to help you through a difficult time.

Community Resources

Helpful Videos

FTC: Stand Up to Cyberbullying