Internet harassment
What is Online Harassment?
Harassment is a broad term that can be encountered anywhere, both online and in real life — from annoying spam messages to constant insults and serious crimes such as cyberstalking, cybergrooming, or sextortion. Harassment has become a common part of our everyday lives.
How Can I Recognize Online Harassment?
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Even though you have repeatedly told a particular person that you do not want any contact, they keep contacting you.
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You receive insults, degrading comments, or similar content under your videos or posts.
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You are threatened, usually with the aim of making you do something for that person (“If you don’t do XY, something will happen!”).
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You receive unwanted sexual content in your private messages, such as nude photos or inappropriate sexual advances.
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You are blackmailed, and the person threatens to publish private or intimate pictures of you or send them to your friends. However, always keep in mind: AI can also be used to create intimate images of you. A simple selfie of you may be enough for this.
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Someone pretends to be around your age and tries to pressure you into meeting them — usually with sexual intentions. In many cases, adults are behind such accounts, attempting to abuse children and teenagers.
What Can I Do If I Become a Victim of Online Harassment?
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Secure all evidence → Take screenshots of all chat conversations and other relevant evidence in a way that preserves them as reliable evidence for authorities. You can find out how to properly secure evidence online here. (Link to a tutorial)
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Avoid further confrontation — blocking the perpetrator is the best way to do this.
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Report the profile on the relevant platform or website.
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Talk to someone you trust and ask for help.
Especially important: Do not make public statements or post your story online — this could potentially have legal consequences for you.
Support Services and Counseling Centers
There is one thing that is important for you to know: You are not alone. It is completely normal not to feel well after an incident like this. There are support services you can contact if you need someone who will simply listen to you.
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Nummer gegen Kummer → 116 111 — nummergegenkummer.de
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Parents’ Helpline (Elterntelefon) → Counseling for parents, regardless of the issue — Elternberatung
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Jugendschutz.net → Counseling and reporting options
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Counseling services for sexual violence → 0800 22 55 530 — Save Me Online
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(Netzmelden?)
Important: You decide what you consider harassment. Even simply feeling uncomfortable because of a message is enough to take the situation seriously.
