Understanding and Taking Action Against Cyberbullying

A practical guide for victims, witnesses and families

Cyberbullying is a form of digital violence that can affect anyone: children, teenagers, adults, professionals… It manifests itself through hostile messages, online humiliation, the dissemination of private information, sexist or sexually explicit content, or repeated attacks on social networks, forums, blogs or video games.

Comprendre et Agir contre le Cyberharcèlement

When it happens, the victim may feel isolated, vulnerable, and powerless. Yet, solutions exist , simple steps allow for swift action, and the law protects victims.

1. What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to repeated acts committed by one or more people via the internet, in a public or private space.

It can take several forms:

• Online harassment

Intimidation, insults, mockery, threats, denigration, spreading false information… The goal is to humiliate or frighten the victim.

• Online school bullying

Between students or from a member of the educational community: rumors, discrimination, sharing of humiliating photos, attacks on social networks.

• Digital sexual harassment

Sending sexually explicit images or videos, unsolicited sexist content, distribution of intimate photos, blackmail ("revenge porn").

For an offense to be recognized, the following facts must be established:

• be repeated,

• infringe upon the dignity of the victim.

• or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive atmosphere,

• or degrade its living conditions.

  
  

The offence can be committed by a single person or by a group , even if each individual did not act repeatedly.

2. Identify the type of attack

To help you understand the nature of what you are experiencing, a diagnostic tool exists: Action Against Cybercrime – Diagnostic Tool (useful for guiding the steps to take).

3. Gathering evidence: a crucial step

To report the facts or file a complaint, it is essential to keep dated evidence :

• Screenshots (messages, profiles, posts, images sent privately…)

• Copies of emails

• Audio or video recordings

• Witness statements (full identity required)

• Medical certificate in case of psychological shock

• Handrail filed previously

👉 Tip: Do not respond to the perpetrator. Do not delete anything. Document everything.

You can also hire a bailiff to draw up an official report. These reports are not free but are extremely legally sound.

4. Have the illegal content removed

You have several levers at your disposal:

A. Report to law enforcement (PHAROS)

Any person who is a victim or witness can report illegal content or behavior on: PHAROS – Police and Gendarmerie reporting platform.

If the content is deemed illegal, the case is forwarded to the appropriate investigators. Law enforcement can also directly request the hosting provider to remove the content.

B. Report to the hosting provider or platform

Social networks and websites must provide an accessible reporting system.

Your report must include:

• Your identity

• The period in which the events took place

• A precise description of the illicit content

• Elements that allow the author to be identified (URL, username, etc.)

• The reasons for the requested withdrawal

• Steps already taken (optional)

💡 You are not required to contact the author before reporting.

C. Request delisting from search engines

Delisting does not delete the page, but makes it invisible when someone searches for your name.

For that :

1. Fill out the official form of the search engine (Google, Bing…).

2. Attach your supporting documents and a piece of identification.

3. If no response within 1 month or if the refusal is unjustified → contact the CNIL .

   
   

5. File a complaint

A complaint can be filed:

• against the author,

• against the hosting provider if they have done nothing despite a report,

• or against both.

An investigation may then be opened, and sanctions imposed. You can be accompanied by a lawyer at all stages.

6. Don't stay alone: ask for help

Cyberbullying isolates, wears you down psychologically, and creates a feeling of helplessness. If you feel alone, overwhelmed, or helpless , don't hesitate to ask for outside support.

Our association WAAD – Web Abuse Association Defense is here for you.

We can :

• to guide you through the process,

• analyze your evidence,

• to help you contact the relevant authorities,

• to assist you in having the content removed.

• to direct you to professionals (legal experts, psychologists, bailiffs, lawyers).

Your story matters. You are not alone.

Cyberbullying is a real form of violence, but the law protects victims. By collecting evidence, reporting content quickly, and getting support, you can put an end to the situation and assert your rights .

If you need help, contact us:

👉 WAAD – Web Abuse Association Defense

We handle each case with seriousness, discretion and human support.