Bullying on social media – Information and directives for victims
Bullying on social media means bullying and harassment on social media platforms. It can be shown as, for example, offensive messages or comments, threats, violation of privacy or dissemination of pictures and information without consent.
The bullying on social media can be occasional or continuous and seriously affect the victim’s life. Bullying on social media can in some cases meet the statutory definition of a crime.
Directives for victims of bullying on social media
- Take screenshots as proof
Save the messages, pictures and other information related to the bullying so you can use them later as evidence if you end up filing a report of an offence.
- Block the bully
In most social media services you can block users that harasses you. Blocking prevents them from contacting you through the service.
- Notify the service provider
In most social media services you can report users who violate the service’s rules or legislation to the administration.
- Talk to a reliable friend or professional
Dealing with bullying on social media alone can be difficult. Share your experience with a trusted friend who can help you deal with the situation. The National Crisis Helpline also offers free conversational help.
- Contact the Victim Support Finland
The Victim Support Finland offers free support and advice to all crime victims. If you suspect that a crime has been committed you can contact the Victim Support Finland. You don’t need to know if a crime has been committed or what kind of crime it is. If necessary, the Victim Support Finland will help you to find the right authorities to whom you can turn in matters related to bullying on social media.
The criminal process in social media bullying
Report to the police
If the bullying on social media is serious and continuous you should report it to the police. The police evaluates the case and decides whether it is necessary to start a pre-trial investigation.
Pre-trial investigation
In the pre-trial investigation the police collects evidence and hears the injured parties, the suspects and the witnesses. It is important that you have saved any messages, pictures and other similar information.
Consideration of charges
The prosecutor assesses the material collected during the pre-trial investigation and decides whether there is evidence of a crime and whether there are grounds to prosecute. If charges are brought the case will proceed to trial.
Trial
During the trial the court deals with the case and hears the parties and the witnesses. The court makes a decision on guilt and possible penalties or compensation.
Judgment and consequenses
If the court finds the offender guilty of a crime it can impose a penalty, such as a fine or probation. The perpetrator may also have to compensate the victim for the damages.
What crime classification can bullying on social media have?
Bullying on social media can meet the statutory definition of a crime and the perpetrator can be criminally liable and liable for damages for the actions. The criminal classification for bullying on social media can for example be:
- Defamation
- Dissemination of information violating personal privacy
- Illegal threat
- Stalking
- Identity theft
- Fraud
Support for victims of bullying on social media
Remember that you are not alone with the bullying on social media. Bullying on social media can meet the statutory definition of an offence. The Victim Support Finland offers support and advice to crime victims. You can contact the Victim Support Finland by telephone, e-mail or through the website:
Leave a contact request
Victim Support Finland 116 006
RIKUchat
Legal advice service 0800 161 177
Personal help at the service point
Prevention of bullying on social media and safe behavior on social media
When preventing bullying on social media it is important to adopt safe and responsible behavior on social media. Remember that bullying on social media is serious and needs to be addressed. Here are some tips:
- Think about what you share
Think carefully about what personal information, pictures or videos you share on social media. Only share content that cannot cause harm to you or others. Remember that you have the right to make your own content on social media without harassment. If you feel that the use of social media is too hard you can also take short breaks if possible. It can make you feel better for a while.
- Privacy settings
Check your social media privacy settings and make sure that they are at an appropriate level. This way you can limit who can see your data and content. Also check if your phone is sharing your location with other users and think about whether it is necessary.
- Do not participate in bullying
Do not participate in bullying others or involve others in the bullying. We are all responsible for opposing bullying and intervening in bullying.
- Help victims of bullying
If you see bullying on social media you should help the victim and talk to someone about the situation. You can also encourage the victim to contact the Victim Support Finland or to report the crime to the police.
- Discuss with children and young people
As an adult it is important to discuss with children and young people about bullying on social media and teach them safe behavior on social media. You should be a good example on social media for children and young people.
Contact the Victim Support Finland
Leave a contact request
Victim Support Finland 116 006
RIKUchat
Legal advice service 0800 161 177
Personal help at the service point
Read more online
- Police: Make a report of the crime
- National Crisis Helpline
- Tukinet
- Sekasin-chat
- Kiusatut.fi
- Sua varten somessa