What to Do if You Are Cyberbullied

Is It Cyberbullying or Harassment?

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that takes place online. If the issue you're experiencing is not on a digital or mobile platform, it's not cyberbullying. If you're being harassed in person, we can help. Learn more in the Harassment Resources section of the page. 

What to Do if You Experience Cyberbullying

1. Don't respond.
2. Gather evidence (take screenshots, save emails and direct messages).
3. Block the person.
4. Alert the service provider or social media platform (see steps for some popular social media sites below).
5. Contact the appropriate university office for help or to report the cyberbullying.
   • If you aren't sure who to contact, reach out to the Office of the Ombudsperson or the Center for Student Assistance for guidance.
   • You can file a report on the Student Conduct website. There are many options depending on the type of incident. 
6. If the cyberbullying has risen to the level of a crime, report it to law enforcement.
   • Call 911 in an emergency situation.
   • NIU Police and Public Safety (non-emergency): 815-753-1212 or niupd@niu.edu.
   • DeKalb Police Department (non-emergency): 815-748-8400 or dekalb.police@cityofdekalb.com.

Addressing Cyberbullying on Social Media

Facebook

• Learn how to report a post based on the type of content.
• Be prepared to identify how the post goes against community standards for harassment and bullying.
• Unfriend and/or block the person who posted the offensive content.

Instagram

• Learn how to report profiles and/or content on Instagram for bullying or harassment.
• Learn how to report other abusive content on Instagram.
• Be aware of Instagram's community guidelines.

Twitter

• Report abusive content or profiles on Twitter.
• Learn more about abusive content on Twitter.
• Learn how to report other types of abusive behavior and other kinds of content, or report on behalf of someone else.

Snapchat

• Learn how to report abuse for different types of Snapchat content.
• If you can't report using the app, report Snapchat abuse on their website.
• Review Snapchat's reporting quick guide (PDF).
• Be aware of Snapchat's Community Guidelines.
• Follow the Safety Snapshot channel.

TikTok

• Learn how to report different types of content on TikTok.
• Block TikTok users who are bullying or harassing you.
• Use TikTok's new tools to foster kindness and safety on the platform:
  • March 2021 update.
  • April 2022 update.
• Review TikTok's bullying prevention resources.
• Be familiar with TikTok's Community Guidelines.
• Check out TikTok resources on ConnectSafely.

Discord

• Report bullying/harassment to your server admin.
• Report the issue to Discord's Trust and Safety team.
• Send screenshots and detailed information to abuse@discordapp.com.
• Submit a support request.
• Block the person.
• Set up your account to be as safe as possible.
• Visit Discord's Safety Center for information on ensuring your safety on the platform.
• Review Discord's Community Guidelines.