#SilentWitness

Report Online Bullying and Abuse

About #SilentWitness

The Webwise #SilentWitness campaign explores the topic of online bullying and abuse, and

aims to spark conversations about

how we can create more tolerant

and inclusive online communities.

#SilentWitness Short Films

Resources

What can I do?

What to do if you encounter abuse and bullying online, and where to get help.

+How to dealing with bullying and abuse online

Don’t Reply to messages that harass or annoy you.
Even though you may really want to, this is exactly what the sender wants. Put down your phone or take a step back. Responding immediately can sometimes makes the situation even worse, particularly in serious cases of harassment.

 

Keep the Message: You don’t have to read it, but keep it.

If you keep getting messages that upset you, you will need to have evidence in order to get help. Website owners, mobile phone companies and the Gardaí will all look for evidence before they will be able to take any action to help you.

 

Block the Sender: You don’t need to put up with someone harassing you.
If you are getting messages that upset you, block the person. All popular social networks and messaging apps allow users to block other users. On most social networks this is a straightforward process done through the app setting or by clicking on the user profile. On some mobile phones you can block a caller’s number. You might need to check the manual or ask an adult to help you do this.

 

Talk to someone you trust, and get support:
Speaking to your parents/guardian, friends, or someone you trust is usually the first step in dealing with any issue. In the case of school related bullying messages you should also talk to a teacher you trust. If you need to speak to someone straight away please call Childline on 1800 66 66 66. In serious cases of bullying and harassment you should contact the Gardai.

 

Report the Problem: 
Report the problem to the people who can do something about it. You can take control, by not putting up with offensive content by reporting it when you come across it. Responsible websites, social networks and mobile phone operators provide ways for their users to report things such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying or hate speech and or other offensive material.

+How to report bullying and abuse online
Remember to be a good friend and digital citizen, if you see someone being harassed online or are aware of bullying, there are steps you can take to help that person.

 

If you are worried a friend or someone you know is being bullied online:

  • Let your friend know you are there for them.
  • Don’t join in or share any comments, posts or pictures that may hurt others.
  • Report the bullying to someone who can help – a parent or teacher.
  • If you see offensive comments online report them to the platform.

 

No one should ever experience harassment online, we can all help make the internet a better place by standing up to online harassment and bullying.

 

Tips for being an upstander

+Where to get help

 

Irish Safer Internet Centre

Hotline.ie – Report illegal content

ISPCC – 24 hour support line for children and young people

Webwise – Free online safety resources and training for educators

National Parents Council Primary – Helpline for parents

 

Find more

Help and advice

Talk to someone

Worried about something you have seen online or concerned about your child? Childline and the National Parents Council Primary offer free advice and support service.

Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of 18.There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.

1800666666
50101
Get started


The National Parents Council Primary enables and empowers parents to be effective partners in their children’s education.

01 887 4477
helpline@npc.ie

Report Illegal Content

Sometimes you might unwittingly stumble across illegal online content like child abuse imagery. Always remember: you can report it and get it removed using Hotline.ie.

More on illegal content

Make a report


Hotline.ie exists to combat the distribution and proliferation of illegal content, like child sexual
abuse content, in conjunction with police and Internet Industry