2026-10-13 · Sivis

Cyberbullying and harassment: what to do when you see it or face it

Steps to take against online harassment: collecting evidence, blocking, reporting and, when needed, legal action.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is deliberately and repeatedly targeting someone online: humiliating messages, threats, exposing private information, impersonation with a fake account, or a pile-on against one person. A single harsh criticism is not always bullying; targeting and repetition are what define it.

If it is happening to you: evidence first

Take screenshots before deleting anything, making sure the date, time and sender are visible. Note the links. Without evidence, platforms and authorities find it much harder to act.

Then do not argue with the sender. Replying usually prolongs the attack.

Block, report, tell someone

Use the platform’s blocking and reporting tools; on Sivis you can report harassment or hate speech from the menu on any message card. Tell someone you trust — family, a friend, a teacher, someone at work. Being alone with it makes the harm bigger.

Legal options

Threats, insults, unlawful sharing of personal data and blackmail are crimes in most countries, including under the Turkish Penal Code. You can take your evidence to the prosecutor or the police. In Turkey, the ICT Authority’s İhbar Web hotline also accepts reports of illegal online content.

If there is immediate danger, call your local emergency number (112 in Turkey and the EU).

If you witness it

The most effective thing a witness can do is show the target they are not alone: a private message of support, and a report on the content. Sharing the attack, even with good intentions, spreads it to more people.

FAQ