How to Recognise and Block Cyberbullying or Online Harassment

Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms such as social media, messaging apps, online games, or forums to harass, threaten, or demean others. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can be relentless, anonymous, and difficult to escape since it can follow a person anywhere via their device.

Online harassment ranges from spreading rumours, name-calling, and impersonation to more severe forms such as threats, doxxing (publishing private information), or repeated messages intended to cause distress. Recognising these behaviours early is essential to protect yourself or your loved ones.

Common Signs of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying may not always be obvious, especially in its early stages. Being aware of the signs can help you act quickly.

Look out for:

• Persistent negative or threatening messages

Humiliating comments, memes, or edited photos shared online

Exclusion from online groups or chats

Impersonation on fake accounts or false accusations

Spreading false rumours or personal information without consent

For children or teens, behavioural changes such as reluctance to use devices, anxiety, mood swings, or withdrawal from friends may indicate they are being targeted.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Cyberbullying can deeply affect a person’s mental health. Victims may feel helpless, ashamed, anxious, or depressed. The public and persistent nature of online attacks can intensify these emotions.

Left unchecked, online harassment can lead to low self-esteem, social isolation, academic decline, or in extreme cases, self-harm. That’s why recognising cyberbullying early and addressing it with support and action is crucial.

Steps to Take if You Are Being Harassed Online

If you or someone you know is facing cyberbullying, taking control of the situation is key. Here’s how to respond:

1. Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to bullies. Engaging often escalates the situation.

Take Screenshots: Preserve evidence by capturing messages, comments, emails, or images.

Report the Abuse: Use the platform’s reporting feature to flag abusive content. Most platforms take violations seriously.

Block the Offender: Stop communication by blocking the person harassing you.

Tell Someone: Talk to a trusted adult, teacher, friend, or family member. Support systems are vital in managing emotional stress.

Seek Professional Help: If the bullying affects your mental health, consult a counsellor or mental health professional.

How to Block Cyberbullies on Popular Platforms

Most social platforms have tools to protect users from abuse. Here’s how to block harassers on some common platforms:

Instagram

• Go to the profile of the user
  
  
• Tap the three dots at the top right corner
  
  
• Select "Block"

Choose whether to block just the user or their future accounts too

Facebook

• Click on the user's profile
  
  
• Select the three dots under their name
  
  
• Click "Block"

Confirm your action

WhatsApp

• Open the chat
  
  
• Tap on the contact name at the top
  
  
• Scroll and select "Block Contact"

YouTube

• Go to the comment or channel of the person
  
  
• Click on the three-dot menu
  
  
• Select "Block user"
  
  

Blocking prevents the person from seeing your content or messaging you.

Reporting Online Harassment

Besides blocking, reporting harmful content ensures the platform is aware of the abuse and can take appropriate action.

Each social media app has its own guidelines:

• Instagram and Facebook allow reporting of posts, messages, and profiles
  
  
• YouTube accepts reports of harassment through individual video reporting
  
  
• Twitter/X provides options to report tweets and direct messages

When reporting, include screenshots and descriptions to support your claim. In serious cases, especially those involving threats or impersonation, consider filing a complaint with cybercrime authorities.

Legal Protection Against Cyberbullying

In many countries, including India, online harassment is punishable under cyber laws. Sections of the IT Act and IPC (such as Section 66A, 354D, and 507) protect individuals from electronic harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation.

If the abuse escalates to physical threats or defamation, file an FIR at the nearest police station or through a national cybercrime reporting portal. Keeping a log of all communication and evidence can support your case.

Helping Others Facing Cyberbullying

If you witness someone else being cyberbullied:

• Don’t join in or like/share harmful content

Offer support to the victim privately

Encourage them to report the abuse

If it’s a minor, inform a responsible adult or school official

Being an active bystander can make a big difference.

Encourage Responsible Digital Behaviour

To prevent cyberbullying, promote digital responsibility in your community:

• Educate children and teens about respectful online conduct
  
  
• Encourage empathy and discourage anonymous trolling
  
  
• Make people aware of privacy settings and safety tools
  
  
• Promote positive online spaces that value constructive dialogue
  
  

Responsible online behaviour begins with awareness and empathy.