Recognise the pattern
Cyberbullying can include repeated threatening messages, public humiliation or sharing hurtful material. A young person may find it hard to leave a space that also contains their friends. Respond with care rather than blaming them for being online.
Bring someone into the conversation
Tell a trusted adult what is happening. Save relevant messages or screenshots where safe, and use the platform’s reporting and blocking tools. If the situation involves school, discuss it with an appropriate member of staff.
Read the full guidance
UNICEF offers detailed guidance about recognising cyberbullying, asking for support and reporting abuse. If there is an immediate threat, seek help from local emergency services. This page provides general education and cannot assess an individual situation.
Prepare the first conversation
If you are unsure how to begin, write down what has been happening and which part worries you most. You can ask a trusted adult to sit with you while you describe it. You do not need a perfectly organised account before asking for support. A useful first goal is deciding who can help and what you want them to understand.
- Which messages or incidents are causing concern?
- Who can sit with you while you ask for help?
- What would make the next conversation feel safer?
Support without taking over
An adult can ask which parts of the situation the young person wants help explaining, and discuss a next step together. Avoid demanding that they retell the story to several people unnecessarily. Keep a simple record of whom you spoke with and what follow-up was agreed. Explain any action you need to take, rather than leaving them guessing about what will happen next.
Keep ordinary life in the picture
Alongside seeking help, make room for activities and relationships the young person enjoys. Ask whether they would like company on a walk, a game or a quiet evening away from the chat. Avoid presenting a break from screens as a punishment for being targeted. Check in again after the first report so that asking for help does not feel like a conversation that disappears.
- Agree who will check in and when.
- Ask whether the unwanted contact has continued.
- Return to trusted support if the situation changes.
