I’m Being Bullied, Harassed or Targeted Online, What Can I Do
Being repeatedly targeted online can feel difficult to escape because the contact can reach you at home, at work and through a device you use every day.
Being repeatedly targeted online can feel difficult to escape because the contact can reach you at home, at work and through a device you use every day.
The behaviour might include repeated abusive messages, impersonation, threats, unwanted sexual material, coordinated targeting or attempts to humiliate you publicly.
This guide cannot decide whether particular conduct is unlawful. It can help you think about safety, evidence, reporting and getting appropriate support.
Do not argue yourself into greater exposure
When somebody is targeting you, replying can sometimes create more contact rather than resolve it.
Use platform controls such as blocking, muting, restricting contact or changing privacy settings where appropriate.
If you are concerned about safety, consider what personal information is visible publicly, including location, workplace, routines and contact details.
Preserve useful evidence before it disappears
If the behaviour is serious or persistent, keep a record before blocking or reporting causes content to become harder to access.
Depending on the circumstances, that might include screenshots, dates, usernames, links and a brief note of what happened.
Do not repeatedly reread harmful material simply to build a perfect archive. Preserve what may reasonably be useful and then step away from it.
Report through the service where appropriate
Use the platform’s reporting route for content or accounts that breach its rules.
The UK’s Online Safety Act places duties on regulated services concerning illegal content and online harms, with Ofcom overseeing the regime. The existence of those duties does not guarantee a particular outcome for an individual report, but reporting can still be an important part of the response.
Some behaviour may need to be reported beyond the platform
Threats, stalking, intimate-image abuse and other serious conduct can cross into criminal or other legal issues.
If you believe a crime may have been committed, or you are concerned for your safety, contact the police or another appropriate authority for advice. In an immediate emergency, use the emergency services.
For individual legal questions, seek advice from an appropriately qualified legal professional rather than relying on a general wellbeing guide.
Tell somebody what is happening
Online targeting can create shame and isolation, particularly if the attacker is trying to convince you that everybody agrees with them.
Show a trusted person enough of what is happening for them to understand the situation. If it involves work, school, college or another organisation, there may also be an appropriate internal safeguarding, HR or complaints route.
Protect your mental wellbeing as well as your account
After harassment, it is common to remain alert for the next message even after contact has stopped.
Give yourself permission to reduce exposure and ask somebody else to help monitor a situation where appropriate.
If anxiety, low mood, sleep or everyday functioning is being significantly affected, consider support from your GP, counsellor or another appropriately qualified mental-health professional.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare, legal or other specialist advice. If online experiences are having a persistent or significant effect on your anxiety, mood, sleep, confidence, relationships or everyday life, consider speaking to your GP, counsellor or another appropriately qualified professional.