Internet Harassment: Strategies to Combat Online Tormentors
In the digital age, a new form of violence has emerged, known as cyberbullying. This contemptible practice, as defined by the Police Crime Prevention of the Federal States and the Federal Republic of Germany (ProPK), can have severe psychological and social consequences for its victims.
Cyberbullying often involves shameless insults and incriminating evidence photos, made publicly visible online. It can stem from group dynamics, where disputes occur or interest groups form and exclude perceived outsiders. This hardening of fronts between in-group and outsiders, as referred to as the "Moloch of Bullying," can lead to a vicious cycle of bullying.
Victims of cyberbullying may experience feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, and in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. It's crucial for anyone who realizes they have become a victim of cyberbullying to seek active support immediately. Useful and practical information can be found on police advisory portals such as polizei-beratung.de.
Internet users should carefully consider which visual or verbal information they want to make publicly available online. Being cautious about the personal data shared, avoiding posting sensitive information such as full addresses, phone numbers, or passwords publicly, and restricting sharing of photos or videos to trusted groups can help protect against cyberbullying.
If disrespectful content is encountered, the operator of the network should be asked to remove it immediately. In heavy cases, they can be reported directly at the responsible police station. To strengthen a criminal complaint, all offensive content (images, texts, emails, videos, SMS, etc.) should be collected and appropriately archived.
It's also important to intervene in cases of cyberbullying seen in others or seek support from trusted persons and services. This can help stop perpetrators and prevent new victims. Remember, anyone can be a victim of cyberbullying, regardless of age.
Mental anguish caused by cyberbullying is unimaginably intense. Anything that cyberbullies get their hands on, they will use against their victim with all destructive consequences. It's essential to stand against this form of violence and support those affected by it.
This information is from the source: "Cyberbullying: A New Form of Violence" by the Police Crime Prevention of the Federal States and the Federal Republic of Germany (ProPK).
