Contents
Short answer
First things first: listen to your child and take it seriously – without blame. Then the aim is not to hit back, to secure evidence, block or report the people involved and involve the school or club if the bullying starts there. If the strain continues or there are threats, get professional support.
Recognising cyberbullying
What it includes
Cyberbullying means someone is insulted, exposed, excluded or threatened over a longer period via messengers, social networks, games or video platforms. It is often linked to conflicts in class, a club or a circle of friends.
Possible signs
Many children don’t bring it up themselves or play it down. Watch for changes: withdrawal, nervousness when looking at the phone, sleep problems, stomach aches before school or a sudden dislike of school or groups. These signs can have other causes too – they are a reason for a calm conversation.
Step by step
- 01
Take your child seriously and listen
Let your child talk without interrupting or judging. Make clear it is not their fault and that you’ll look for a solution together. Agree next steps with them rather than acting over their head.
- 02
Don’t hit back in public
Replies, counter-attacks or publicly exposing the bullies usually make things worse. That applies to your child and to you as a parent.
- 03
Secure evidence
Take screenshots of messages, posts and comments. Note usernames, profile links, date and time. Save images and videos before they are deleted. Don’t pass on intimate images, not even as evidence – in that case, talk to the police directly.
- 04
Block and report where it helps
Once evidence is secured, blocking and reporting can help. Platforms offer reporting for insults, exposure and fake profiles. Weigh up with your child whether blocking makes it harder to keep track.
- 05
Check privacy and security
Check together who can see profiles, posts and contact requests and whether passwords should be changed. Limit group invitations and contact from strangers.
- 06
Involve school, club or platform
If those involved are from class or a club, talking to the class teacher, school social worker or coach often makes sense. Bring your evidence and agree with your child beforehand what will be shared.
- 07
Get outside help if it continues
If the bullying doesn’t stop, escalates or weighs heavily on your child, counselling services, school psychologists or medical help are important contacts. With threats, blackmail or images being spread, a police report can make sense.
Checklist
- I listened calmly and told my child it is not their fault.
- Screenshots with usernames, links, date and time are secured.
- We did not hit back in public.
- The people involved are reported after securing evidence and blocked if needed.
- Privacy settings and passwords have been checked together.
- School or club are involved if the bullying comes from there.
- I know where to get help if the strain continues.
Common mistakes
- Taking away the phone, deleting the account or banning the internet as a default response – it can feel like punishment and make your child stay silent next time.
- Blaming your child, for example for a shared photo.
- Publicly attacking the bullies or their parents yourself.
- Deleting evidence before it is secured.
- Informing the school or other parents without agreeing it with your child.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take my child’s phone away?
Usually not as a first reaction. The phone is often important for friendships, and a ban can feel like punishment. Better: adjust settings together and agree limits.
Is cyberbullying a crime?
In Germany, cyberbullying as such is not a separate offence. Individual acts such as threats, insults or spreading certain images can be criminal, though. Whether that applies in a specific case can be assessed by the police or legal advice.
When should I inform the school?
When people from the school are involved or the bullying affects school life. Discuss it with your child first.
What if my child doesn’t want to talk?
Stay available without pushing. Sometimes it is easier to talk to another trusted person or a counselling service.
Should we delete the account?
Secure evidence first. Tighter privacy settings, blocking and reporting are often enough. Deleting can make sense if your child wants it.
Sources
- Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention – Cybermobbing
- Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention – Cybermobbing: Folgen für Opfer und Hilfe
- Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention & BSI – Checkliste Cybermobbing unter Kindern
Checked on 7 October 2026.
This information is for general guidance only and does not replace individual legal advice.