Online Harassment: Strategies for Coping With Cyberbullying

In the digital age, cyberbullying has become a pressing concern for many. This despicable form of violence, practiced by perpetrators regardless of age, can have severe psychological and social consequences for victims.

Anyone who realizes they have become a victim of cyberbullying should immediately seek active support. This could involve reaching out to trusted friends, family, or educational institutions. For more formal help, the responsible police station can be contacted in heavy cases. Practical information on how to handle cyberbullying can be found on police advisory portals like polizei-beratung.de.

Cyberbullying is fulfilled when bad words exceed a certain pain threshold, often leading to thoughts of suicide in victims. Shameless insults and incriminating evidence photos made publicly visible online can exacerbate these feelings. It is crucial for every internet user to carefully consider which visual or verbal information they want to make publicly available online.

Cyberbullies will use any information they obtain against their victim with destructive consequences. To strengthen a criminal complaint, all offensive content (pictures, texts, emails, videos, SMS, etc.) should be collected and appropriately archived. The operator of the network should be asked to delete disrespectful content immediately.

The "Moloch Mobbing" is a form of cyberbullying that involves hardening fronts between in-group and outsiders, followed by the hunt on defenseless prey. This can occur when disputes or interest groups form within a group, excluding perceived outsiders.

Positive and respect-based group dynamics can develop when people come together. This is why it's important to promote a culture of empathy and understanding online.

Organisations like BARMER, Stiftung Kindergesundheit, and jugendschutz.net are working tirelessly to prevent and fight cyberbullying in Germany. BARMER's educational program "DURCHBLICKT" aims to strengthen digital health competence and address cyberbullying for students, teachers, and parents. The Stiftung Kindergesundheit offers the PowerKids app, providing playful, scientifically based prevention programs for children and families. jugendschutz.net works on media protection and youth rights in digital spaces.

Constant teasing or harassment from classmates during school days can lead to feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. It's essential to remember that no one should have to endure such treatment, and help is always available.

The source for this information is the Police Criminal Prevention of the Federal States and the Federal Government (ProPK). Mental anguish caused by cyberbullying is intense, regardless of the victim's age. It's crucial to remember that everyone has the right to feel safe and respected online.