1- What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying refers to any form of harassment carried out through digital means of communication: social networks, instant messaging, forums, online games, etc. It can take different forms, but it always has one thing in common: it aims to harm a person, repeatedly and intentionally, by exploiting the virality and anonymity offered by the Internet.
Just because it happens online doesn’t mean it’s “not serious”: the psychological consequences can be just as heavy — or even heavier — than in real life.
2- In what forms can it appear?
Cyberbullying can take many forms:
- Repeated insults, mockery, or humiliation (in comments, private messages, stories, etc.)
- Sharing intimate photos or videos without consent
- Identity theft to deceive or damage someone’s reputation
- Rumors and false information spread on a large scale
- Threats, blackmail, or intimidation
- Group harassment (digital raids): a group of people targets a victim with hateful or violent comments
Digital stalking: monitoring and tracking someone online in an intrusive way
3- How does cyberbullying work?
This type of harassment relies on several well-known mechanisms:
- Anonymity or pseudo-anonymity which gives perpetrators a sense of impunity
- Virality: a hurtful piece of content can be seen, shared, and commented on by thousands of people within hours
- Permanence: humiliating content remains accessible for a long time and can resurface at any moment
- Trivialization under the guise of humor: some young harassers think “it’s just for fun” and don’t realize the seriousness of their actions
4- Solutions to avoid drowning in the flow
According to a study published by WHO in March 2024, one in 6 young people reported being bullied online between 2018 and 2022. This study, conducted in 44 countries and regions across Europe and Central Asia, reveals a worrying trend: online harassment is strongly increasing, especially among adolescents aged 13 to 15.
- 16% of young people report having been victims of cyberbullying (hurtful messages, mockery, threats…).
- 11% admit to having bullied someone online themselves – proof that this phenomenon can also involve those who do not always realize its impact.
- Cyberbullying is more frequent among girls, particularly in school environments where social pressure is strong.
In the Western Balkans, exact figures vary by country, but local surveys confirm that the trend is similar: social networks have become a daily harassment ground for many young people.
👉 This study highlights the urgency of digital education for young people, families, teachers, and authorities alike. Better understanding the phenomenon is already the first step to protecting against it.
📚 Source: WHO/Europe – One in six children victims of cyberbullying
5- What penalties are there for perpetrators of cyberbullying?
In many European countries, cyberbullying is recognized as a criminal offense, just like traditional harassment.
At the European level:
- The Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force in 2024, requires major platforms to better moderate hateful content and facilitate reporting. Platforms must react quickly to illegal content.
- The European Union also promotes better protection of minors online, including against harassment and hate.
In the Western Balkans:
Each country has its own laws, but most are gradually aligning with European standards:
- In Serbia, harassment, including online, can be prosecuted under Penal Code articles relating to offenses against dignity or threats.
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina, harassment is not yet specifically defined in all cantons, but certain cases can be tried as “endangerment” or “incitement to hatred.”
- In Albania, the Cybersecurity Law (2020) addresses certain online abuses, but NGOs are calling for a clearer definition of cyberbullying.
- Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo are working with organizations such as the Council of Europe to harmonize their legislation with digital protection standards.
In all cases, filing a complaint is possible, and victims should be encouraged to assert their rights.
6- What should I do if I am a victim or witness of cyberbullying?
You are not alone, and there are solutions.
Here are some steps to follow:
If you are a victim:
- Do not respond to hateful messages or comments
- Take screenshots of messages, profiles, dates, content (important digital evidence)
- Block or report the harassing accounts on the platform concerned
- Talk to a trusted adult, a teacher, a parent, or a professional
- Contact a victim support organization, or in some cases, law enforcement
If you are a witness:
- Support the victim: a simple message of solidarity can make a big difference
- Report the content or the author to the platform
- Do not share hurtful content, even “to show it”: this fuels the violence
- Offer your help: direct the victim to resource persons or associations
Cyberbullying is not inevitable. Understanding its mechanisms, knowing how to react, and acting collectively can make all the difference. Online too, each of us has rights, but also responsibilities.
To go further:
- Council of Europe – Cyberbullying and Human Rights
- UNICEF – Ending cyberbullying
- Digital Services Act – European Commission
- EU Kids Online – Report on digital practices in the Balkans
- Better Internet for Kids – Resources for young people
