Cyberbullying: tips for victims and parents
Cyberbullying is a difficult topic for those affected and parents. That's why we've put together a few tips to help you fight bullying in the virtual world.
Cyberbullying: Parents and those affected can do that
Cyberbullying refers to bullying on the Internet, for example in social networks or on websites. It is usually aimed specifically at a person in order to harm or mock that person. If cyberbullying is already in full swing, there are some tips on how you can act as a victim and a relative.
- No matter how difficult it is and how much you want to defend yourself, do not react to the insults of the bullies. Punish them with non-observance.
- That doesn't mean, however, that you should just endure the insults. Talk to a trusted person about it and get help. If you are a student, it is worth including the parents and, if necessary, the school. Parents should look closely, address suspicions openly, and act in the child's best interest.
- If there are any offensive videos or pictures of you that are distributed on the Internet, you should prevent this by contacting the relevant platforms. In addition, have fake profiles deleted that have been created on your behalf or are intended for your humiliation.
- Before you delete everything, you should collect evidence of cyberbullying. Take screenshots, save the files and leave the senders visible if they are recognizable.
- If the bullying becomes unbearable or it is a strong attack, you should not be afraid to contact the police. Report the person concerned. In many cases this is a deterrent. Cyberbullying itself is not yet punishable, but the individual offenses and crimes behind the bullying attacks - for example insulting or coercing.
Prevent cyberbullying: You can do this in advance
If no attack has yet taken place, you can take preventive action using the following steps.
- Provide as little personal information as possible on the Internet. In particular, do not give your full address.
- Please note the common safety instructions for individual online portals. You should never make a profile public so that everyone can see all your data.
- Do not share pictures and videos. In this way you reduce the possible misuse of your data, for example through fake profiles or attacks against yourself.
- The internet is big and you don't need to know everyone. Sometimes it is better if you only network with your closest friends. Ideally, you should only accept contact requests from people you know in real life and whom you can fully trust.
Cyberbullying: This is where victims and parents find help
Cyberbullying means that you are exposed to strong attacks on yourself. This is very stressful, which is why you should definitely get help. Together, it is usually easier to counter the attacks. Corresponding offers of help can be obtained from the following portals:
- Mobbing-schluss-damit.de
- Nummergegenkummer.de
- Jugendschutz.net
- Klicksafe.de
- Saferinternet.at
- Polizei-beratung.de
- Federal Ministry of Family Affairs