A five-step plan for responding to cyberbullying with safety, careful evidence, coordinated support and repair that never requires the affected person to be exposed again.

Safety comes before a full account#

When an alert arrives, interrupt harmful contact and agree on a safe channel first. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

When an alert arrives, interrupt harmful contact and agree on a safe channel first.

Listening restores agency#

Good listening starts with I believe you, this is not your fault, and we will decide the next step together. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Evidence without spreading harm#

Screenshots should retain date, link and account name without forwarding intimate material. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Mapping facts and responsibilities#

A timeline separates verified facts, interpretations and rumours. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Setting contact boundaries#

Blocking, reporting and reviewing passwords work best with supportive adult help. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Activating school protection#

The school must activate protection without making the affected person manage the case. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Using platform tools carefully#

A platform report should be precise and proportionate to the privacy risk. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Repair that is voluntary and verifiable#

Useful repair recognises the specific harm, removes content and respects stated limits. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

When mediation is not appropriate#

Serious threats or coercion require specialist protection rather than a joint meeting. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Coordinating adults and services#

Families, schools and health services share only the minimum information needed. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Privacy and accessible support#

Instructions must remain understandable with language or communication support. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Protecting everyday wellbeing#

Sleep, ordinary routines and a trusted person are protective measures as well. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Case 1: exclusion from a class chat#

When an alert arrives, interrupt harmful contact and agree on a safe channel first. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Good listening starts with I believe you, this is not your fault, and we will decide the next step together. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Case 3: a persistent anonymous profile#

Screenshots should retain date, link and account name without forwarding intimate material. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

A thirty-day review#

A timeline separates verified facts, interpretations and rumours. The aim is to reduce exposure and return decision-making power to the affected person. Before acting, record verifiable facts, date, channel and people who can help; do not demand repeated accounts or turn evidence into public conversation. The responsible adult explains the next step in plain language, agrees a short deadline and checks that the measure works. Where there is a threat, intimate-image sharing, coercion, impersonation or risk of self-harm, immediate protection and competent services take priority. A calm response does not minimise harm: it assigns responsibility, restricts access to information and prevents further damage while the matter is examined.

Caso 1#

Aina is excluded from her class chat and receives jokes every afternoon. Her family saves three screenshots, the tutor avoids a public confrontation, and a peer contact is agreed. Messages are removed and the group learns that forwarding also causes harm. Weekly review focuses on attendance and feeling safe.

Caso 2#

Marcos finds an edited image of himself online. An adult does not forward it for opinions: they use the platform report, activate the school protocol and verify removal. Marcos declines a joint meeting and that choice is respected. Repair includes a correction and educational consequences for those involved.

Caso 3#

Leire receives insults from an anonymous account for several weeks. With her father, she documents links and times, tightens privacy and contacts a named adult. The school monitors in-person spaces and offers counselling. Blocking the account does not end the plan, because another profile may appear.

Fuentes y seguimiento#

UNESCO provides guidance on school violence and bullying; UNICEF on online safety; WHO on adolescent mental health; and the Council of Europe on children-s rights online. Se revisa el plan a las 48 horas, una semana y un mes: contenido retirado, cese de contactos, asistencia, descanso y sensación de seguridad. El caso se cierra por evidencia de protección sostenida, no por prisa ni por incomodidad.