How to Report Cyberbullying: Stop Online Harassment on Every Platform

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026 · Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher · Reviewed by HowToReport Editorial Desk · Independent resource — not a government site

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“name”: “Step 1”,
“text”: “Don’t respond or retaliate. Engaging often escalates the situation. Focus on documenting and reporting instead.”
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“position”: 2,
“name”: “Step 2”,
“text”: “Take screenshots of everything. Capture messages, posts, profiles, usernames, dates, and URLs before content is deleted. This is your evidence.”
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“position”: 3,
“name”: “Step 3”,
“text”: “Block the bully and tighten privacy. Use blocking tools and set accounts to private to stop further contact.”
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“position”: 4,
“name”: “Step 4”,
“text”: “Report to the platform. Use the in-app report function for each harassing post or account. Platforms can remove content and suspend accounts that violate their rules.”
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“position”: 5,
“name”: “Step 5”,
“text”: “Tell the school if a student is involved. Provide your documentation to a counselor or administrator. Schools are often legally required to investigate.”
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“position”: 6,
“name”: “Step 6”,
“text”: “Call 911 for threats. If there are credible threats of violence, self-harm, or stalking, treat it as an emergency.”
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“position”: 7,
“name”: “Step 7”,
“text”: “Report crimes to the FBI. File at ic3.gov for online stalking, threats, extortion, or fraud.”
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“position”: 8,
“name”: “Step 8”,
“text”: “Report content involving minors to NCMEC. For explicit images or exploitation of anyone under 18, contact the CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678 immediately — do not share or forward the content.”
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“description”: “Report cyberbullying directly on every platform using built-in report buttons. When to contact police, how to report threats to the FBI, and protecting children online.”
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“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I report cyberbullying on social media?”,
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“text”: “Use each platform’s built-in reporting tool — usually the three-dot menu on a post or profile, then “Report.” Report the specific posts and the account. Block the user and screenshot everything first.”
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“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Should I involve the police?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
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“text”: “Call 911 for credible threats of violence, stalking, or sexual content involving a minor. For other online crimes like extortion or persistent harassment, file with the FBI’s IC3. Many police departments also take cyberharassment reports.”
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“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What if the cyberbully is anonymous?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
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“text”: “Still report and document. Platforms and law enforcement can sometimes trace accounts. Provide usernames, URLs, timestamps, and screenshots; the FBI’s IC3 can investigate serious anonymous threats.”
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“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can schools act on off-campus cyberbullying?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Often yes. Many state anti-bullying laws cover online conduct that substantially disrupts the school environment, even if it happens off campus. Report it with your documentation.”
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“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Someone shared a private/explicit image of me — what do I do?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
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“text”: “Report it to the platform immediately and, if you’re under 18 or the image is of a minor, contact NCMEC’s CyberTipline (1-800-843-5678). Adults can also use takedown tools like StopNCII.org and report to the FBI’s IC3.”
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