Dealing with online harassment and bullying

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There are many forms of online harassment, including cyberbullying, trolling, flaming, doxxing, outing and fraping. Regardless of the approach, perpetrators use personal information, abusive messaging or bullying behaviour to cause emotional distress. Social media is commonly used, and perpetrators often hide behind fake or compromised accounts.

In South Africa, online harassment may be addressed through different legal and support routes depending on what has happened. Threats, stalking, extortion, hacking and image-based abuse may be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Ongoing harassment may also qualify for a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act through a Magistrate's Court. Harassment, discrimination or hate speech linked to protected characteristics may be reported to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) who may help you get further information on taking the matter to Equality Court.

If you do not feel safe and the harassment has been persistent, you may also be experiencing stalking. Refer to The Cyber Helpline’s stalking guide. If fake social media accounts are being used, refer to the Fake Profiles guide.

Where there is an immediate threat to physical safety, contact 10111, the SAPS emergency number

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Online harassment and bullying - do this first!

There are some important steps to take right at the beginning of the harassment:

  1. Document everything - Keep copies of every incident.

    • Take screenshots.

    • Save messages.

    • Capture profile pages.

    • Record usernames, dates and times where possible.

    This evidence may be important if the behaviour escalates or needs to be reported to SAPS, a social media platform or a court.

  2. Report it -Report threats, persistent harassment, stalking, extortion, hacking, image-based abuse or any behaviour that makes you fear for your safety to SAPS.

    You can report at your nearest police station.

    If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 10111, the SAPS emergency number.

    When reporting, take:

    • screenshots

    • usernames

    • dates and times

    • any evidence showing repeated behaviour.

    If the abuse includes hate speech, discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, disability, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or another protected characteristic, consider contacting the South African Human Rights Commission.

  3. Strengthen your online security - Perpetrators sometimes attempt to gain access to your online accounts.

    • Change passwords.

    • Enable multi-factor authentication.

    • Review recovery email addresses and phone numbers.

    • Check for unknown devices logged into your accounts.

    • Remove unnecessary personal information from public profiles.

    Also search for publicly available personal information about yourself and remove it where possible.

  4. Review your privacy settings - Review who can:

    • contact you;

    • view your profile;

    • tag you;

    • see your location; and

    • view your personal information.

    Restrict access wherever possible to reduce opportunities for continued harassment.

  5. Remember it is not your fault - Online abuse is never your fault.

    • Speak to trusted family or friends.

    • Seek emotional support if needed.

    • Access specialist support services where appropriate.

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Approaches to dealing with online harassment

Every situation is different. The following approaches may help.

  1. Try not to engage - Many online abusers seek attention or a reaction. Avoid arguing or responding emotionally. Ignoring abusive behaviour may reduce the perpetrator's motivation.

  2. Avoid deleting content immediately - Unless the content contains personal information or intimate images, consider leaving it available until evidence has been captured. Deleting comments before recording them may remove valuable evidence.

  3. If your personal information has been shared - If your address, telephone number, ID number, workplace or other personal information has been published:

    • report the content to the platform immediately;

    • request its removal; and

    • consider following the Cyber Helpline Identity Theft guidance if identity misuse is a concern.

  4. Report the abuse to the platform - Report abusive content using the platform's reporting tools.

    Where harmful online content involves:

    • cyberbullying;

    • harassment;

    • hate speech;

    • doxxing;

    • child sexual abuse material;

    • sexual exploitation; or

    • the non-consensual sharing of intimate images,

    South African users may also consider reporting through the Film and Publication Board (FPB) online reporting mechanisms where appropriate.

  5. Block the offending accounts - If the abuse continues, block the perpetrator's:

    • social media accounts;

    • email addresses; and

    • messaging accounts.

    If new accounts are created, continue reporting and blocking them.

  6. If you choose to respond- If responding feels necessary:

    • remain calm;

    • stick to factual information; and

    • avoid emotional arguments.

  7. Look into protection orders - Where harassment is ongoing, you may be able to apply for a protection order through a Magistrate's Court under the Protection from Harassment Act.

    Keep:

    • screenshots;

    • messages;

    • usernames;

    • dates;

    • records of repeated incidents; and

    • evidence of threats.

    Children under 18, or someone acting on their behalf, may also be able to apply where appropriate.

If you are being bullied

  1. Know it is not your fault - Nobody deserves to be bullied. The behaviour reflects the actions of the bully—not your fault.

  2. Reach out for support - Speak to someone you trust.

    This could include:

    • a family member;

    • a friend;

    • a teacher;

    • another trusted adult; or

    • a support organisation.

    If you are a child or young person and need support, you can contact Childline South Africa on 116.

    If there is an immediate threat to your safety, contact SAPS. Where emergency assistance is required, call 10111.

  3. Don’t not retaliate -Responding aggressively often escalates the situation. If possible, disengage and remove yourself from the interaction.

  4. Tell the person to stop (if it’s safe) - If you feel comfortable doing so, clearly tell the person their behaviour is unwanted. Only do this if it feels safe.

  5. Use the available platform tools-

  • Block the person.

  • Report abusive content.

  • Limit contact using platform privacy settings.

If you are a child or young person and do not feel safe, speak to a trusted adult, your school or Childline South Africa on 116.

If there is an immediate threat or violence is threatened, contact SAPS immediately. For emergency assistance, call 10111.

Bullying: advice for parents and carers

Each case of cyber bullying is different and all should be taken seriously. The following advice may help:

  • Let them talk - Allow the child to explain what has happened in their own words. Listen without judgement. Avoid making them feel embarrassed or blamed.

  • Don’t not remove access to technology immediately - Many children worry their devices will be taken away if they report bullying. Reassure them that seeking help will not automatically result in losing access.

  • Speak with their school - Schools have safeguarding and anti-bullying responsibilities.

    Share:

    • screenshots;

    • evidence;

    • timelines; and

    • information about the impact on the child.

    Ask what support measures will be put in place and how progress will be monitored.

  • Contact SAPS where safety is at risk - If you believe your child is in immediate danger, contact SAPS immediately. For emergency assistance, call 10111.

    Report:

    • threats of violence;

    • stalking;

    • extortion;

    • sexual exploitation; or

    • ongoing criminal harassment.

    Take all available evidence.

    For additional support, children and young people can contact Childline South Africa on 116.


Tap into expert bullying support

Depending on the circumstances, you may wish to seek support from:

  • South African Police Service (SAPS) — threats, stalking, criminal harassment, extortion, hacking and other criminal offences.

  • SAPS emergency number (10111) — immediate threats to safety requiring emergency police assistance.

  • Magistrate's Court — applications under the Protection from Harassment Act.

  • South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) — hate speech, discrimination and harassment involving protected characteristics.

  • Equality Court — discrimination and equality-related matters.

  • Film and Publication Board (FPB) — reporting harmful online content.

  • Childline South Africa (116) — support for children and young people.

  • Lifeline South Africa — emotional support.

  • South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) — mental health support.

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