Cyberbullying: A topic with far too little attention - general, facts, consequences, legal situation and tips

Often, outsiders do not even notice: the bullying and harassment of other people on the Internet - also known as cyberbullying - happens every day. Although the number of cases is increasing, only very few take the issue seriously and genuinely. A column on a topic on which education and information is important to us.

Technology not only has good sides - we also have to report on these. Due to the networking via the Internet, the spread of smartphones and the continuing rise in popularity of social networks, the cases of cyberbullying have increased sharply in recent years. Why is cyberbullying so dangerous but still underestimated by many? We also clarify the current legal situation on the subject of cyberbullying and provide tips.

Cyberbullying - general, facts and legal situation

How to respond correctly to cyberbullying is what the end of the article is about. Let's start with current cyberbullying facts and figures.

What is cyberbullying exactly?

Cyberbullying is defined as intentionally insulting, threatening, exposing or harassing others with the help of Internet and other communication services over a longer period of time. Bullying takes place on the Internet, mostly in social networks or via messengers such as Snapchat and WhatsApp. Cyberbullying is often combined with blackmail and hacking.

The meaning is clearly defined. Insulting, threatening, exposing using Internet and other communication services is clearly cyberbullying!

When does cyberbullying start?

Cyberbullying begins from the point at which the victim feels harassed by a person or the perpetrator on the Internet. In the case of women, this can be stupid pick-up lines, suggestive comments or other unpleasant things. In the worst case, there is also blackmail with the desire for nude pictures. There are also cases of cyberbullying among men - it can range from posting private or embarrassing photos to or harassment or insults on the Internet. That this is punishable should be clear to everyone. Most victims often do not dare to report the perpetrator because of shame, fear or other understandable reasons. However, this is absolutely necessary so that legal steps can be initiated!

File a complaint and do not let yourself be finished! You can find tips and more information on this below.

Cyberbullying: That's the law

Legal situation in Germany

Cyberbullying is not directly punished by law in Germany. In a case of cyberbullying, criminal code laws can take effect. Often used and relevant here are the criminal offenses "insult, defamation, defamation, stalking, coercion & threat or violation of the highly personal area of ​​life by taking pictures". The specific sentence here depends on the respective offense.

Legal situation in Austria

On the other hand is Cyberbullying in Austria has been punishable and clearly regulated since January 1, 2016. The title of the offense used in the Criminal Code (StGB) is “Continued harassment via a telecommunications or computer system”.

A criminal offense is anyone who “in the way […] using a computer system […] which is capable of impairing a person's conduct of life […] continues to be perceptible to a large number of people for a longer period of time Violates honor or makes facts or photos of the highly personal area of ​​life of a person perceptible to a larger number of people without their consent. ”Anyone who violates this law is punished in Austria with a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine.

Legal situation in Switzerland

The legal situation of cyberbullying in Switzerland is also not precisely regulated. So here too - as in Germany - facts from the criminal code apply. The criminal offense of "insulting, defamation or threats" is often used here. As in Germany, the sentence in Switzerland depends on the offense.

The legal situation regarding cyberbullying is different in every country. In Austria, for example, it is regulated very precisely in the law. Nevertheless, cyberbullying is a criminal offense in all countries and is not a trivial offense.

Study: Almost every second person knows at least one victim or has already been affected by it

Within the "Cyberlife II" study by the "Alliance against Cyberbullying" association In 2017, around 1900 young people were surveyed on the topic of cyberbullying. Almost three-quarters of the young people surveyed said they had been insulted or abused online. Almost 45 percent reported that lies and rumors had been spread. 22 percent said that private photos had been distributed online and thus used against them. In addition, almost a quarter of all respondents said they had been put under pressure or blackmailed in such actions.

In another "JIM" study by the Southwest Media Education Research Association In 2017, around 1000 percent of 12 young people between the ages of 19 and 40 who were surveyed said they knew someone who was a victim of cyberbullying. According to the survey, 10 percent more girls than boys were affected by these cases. The older the young people are, the higher the proportion of those who have already heard of such a case.

Many young people know a victim of cyberbullying. Adolescent girls are usually more affected than everyone else.

More girls or women are more likely to be affected by cyberbullying than men. (Image: pixabay.com)

Cyberbullying doesn't just affect the youth

Cyberbullying has now reached the whole of society. 30 percent of the 4 adults surveyed in a German Study by the Alliance against Cyberbullying in the summer of 2018 that I have already had personal experience with bullying or cyberbullying. Regardless of whether, for example, at work or in chats and social networks. Thus, online bullying does not only affect young people - cyberbullying has long since reached adults too.

Compared to the 2016 survey, this represents an increase of 6,4 percent. In addition, younger people aged 20 to 25 are almost twice as likely to be affected by cyberbullying as the average (18 percent). In addition, the risk of bullying is 1,5 times higher for women than for men. In addition, men often keep quiet about these attacks.

The bullying and harassment on the Internet has now reached the entire society. More than a quarter said they had already been the victim of an offline or online bullying attack.

Cyberbullying is underestimated: Not "visible"

Compared to bullying in the "real environment", cyberbullying is usually not really visible to outside people. Compared to "classic" bullying, cyberbullying has a crucial difference: Cyberbullying does not end after school or work. This means that perpetrators have - almost unlimited - opportunities to harass their victims around the clock on the Internet.

The perpetrators themselves usually underestimate the extent of the victim's bullying. The reason for this is that the reactions of the victim compared to "offline bullying" are not direct and not so clearly visible. It is not without reason that many perpetrators interpret their actions as "fun" or as not so tragic.

Cyberbullying is visible and possible around the clock. Compared to "classic bullying", it doesn't stop at home!

What are the perpetrators' reasons?

If you continue browsing the current bullying study by the Alliance against Cyberbullying you can also find answers to the reasons why perpetrators of cyberbullying commit cyberbullying. Here you come to the thoughtful conclusion that 80 percent of perpetrators have already been victims of bullying themselves and thus commit these acts out of revenge or frustration. The rest of the reasons are made up of jealousy, receiving a certain amount of recognition or gaining a feeling of power. Perpetrators usually aim to destroy their victims and subjugate them. The "typical" perpetrator does not show compassion, insight or remorse at first - but usually later on. In many cases, perpetrators are not aware of the consequences of bullying.

The reasons for the acts are always different. Researched and frequently occurring traits are, for example, receiving recognition and gaining a sense of power.

Cyberbullying also includes stalking one's ex-partner. (Image: pixabay.com)

Cyberbullying - Impact, Consequences, and Procedures

Content spreads quickly

Once the processed images or other discriminatory content of the victim are online, the content spreads quickly. Since some content can be difficult to delete again without acting quickly on the Internet, content that has long been forgotten can repeatedly come to the public and make it difficult for victims to get over it.

What spreads once on the Internet quickly gets to others - friends or acquaintances then usually know quickly. Content often reappears months later.

Popular "scam": Blackmail with edited nude images of the victim online

Platforms like Instagram usually offer the perpetrators the desired anonymity in order to finish off the victim with edited (nude) pictures. It is not uncommon for such activities to be fakeprofile under the victim's name or misusing other profiles (such as those of the victim's friends) for these actions. If the perpetrator has the necessary "reach", such images quickly spread to other friends or relatives.prochen. Since the perpetrators act anonymously, the victim can get scared or unsettled.

Nude pictures are a popular scam used by cyberbullying perpetrators. Most of the time, their victims blackmail the perpetrators so that they do not publish these pictures.

Problem: Social networks react too slowly or not at all

If the cyberbullying has already happened and the content is online, the content should be reported to the respective operator as soon as possible. Cases show that social networks like Facebook and Instagram often react much too late or often not at all. Sometimes this content doesn't even violate community guidelines, even though it is clearly about nude pictures or this content is exposure of people - absolutely incomprehensible.

Large social media platforms often take a long time to react to corresponding cases of cyberbullying. However, reporting is always useful!

This causes cyberbullying among the victims

The effects of cyberbullying or other forms of bullying are different for each victim. However, bullying can have serious consequences: those who are bullied can suffer serious health problems in the long term. It is estimated that 90 percent of all bullying victims develop physical or mental problems as a direct result of bullying. Those affected struggle with gastrointestinal problems, depression, cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders, personality changes or reduced self-confidence. These effects can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

Everyone reacts differently – but cyberbullying can lead to serious health problems for victims. Physical or mental problems therefore usually do not go unnoticed for long.

Victims of cyberbullying often withdraw and become desperate. Help your boyfriend or girlfriend in such situations and have an open ear. (Image: pixabay.com)

Cyberbullying - How to react correctly

Open your eyes and report content!

Should you find out from a person who is affected by cyberbullying and such cases, or if someone’s harassing content is posted online - don't look away and react! Even if some attempts to report content are unsuccessful, it is still worth a try. It is absolutely important to inform the person concerned about this and to stand by them.

Did you become aware of any content and see someone being bullied online? Report the content and let the person concerned know!

Secure evidence, report it

Since there are often no witnesses to chat histories or other actions, it is absolutely essential to take screenshots of any harassment. Even if it is "only" about chats: These can be very important in the aftermath when reporting a complaint to the police. The person concerned will be happy to accompany you or - if you are affected yourself - confide in a family member or a friend and report the complaint together.

Save evidence (such as chat logs or pictures) in the form of screenshots and then file a complaint!

Are you affected yourself?

If you are affected by cyberbullying, stay calm first. Tell your parents about your problems or confide in a good friend. If you don't know what to do: There are a few numbers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland that you can contact without fear or shame and where you will receive advice on how to proceed - anonymously and free of charge.

You're not alone. There are various places where you can get help anonymously.

Germany:

• https://www.nummergegenkummer.de | Tel: 116 111 | Mon-Sat from 14 p.m. to 20 p.m.

Austria:

• https://www.rataufdraht.at | Tel: 147 | Around the clock
• https://oe3.orf.at/kummernummer/stories/2712988 | Tel: 116 123 | daily from 16 p.m. to midnight

Switzerland:

• https://www.kummernummer.org | Tel: 0800 66 99 11 | Around the clock

Have you already had experience with cyberbullying or would you like to share other findings on this topic with us anonymously (without giving your real name and email address)? Feel free to write us in the comments.