Cyberviolence
Cyberviolence
Cyberviolence is a modern form of violence that occurs through digital media and online platforms, such as social networks, messaging apps, and online forums.
Although it does not necessarily involve physical assault, it can have serious psychological, social, and professional consequences. It is characterized by the speed at which content spreads and the continuous exposure of the victim, as harmful material can remain available for a long time. It is facilitated by the potential anonymity of the online perpetrator.
The most common form of online violence is cyberbullying, which involves repeated insults, threats, aggressive or unwanted messages, shaming, or systematic targeting of an individual. Related to this is cyberstalking, i.e. persistent monitoring and threatening behaviour that causes fear and insecurity.
Another common form is the non-consensual dissemination of personal data or images (doxing and revenge pornography), where private information or material is made public without permission, with the aim of exposing or blackmailing the victim. Hate speech is also a significant form of online violence, as it targets individuals or groups based on characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
In addition, there are phenomena such as online impersonation, the dissemination of false information for the purpose of defamation, and coordinated mass attacks (online mobbing), in which many users attack one person at the same time.
Recognizing these forms is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Strengthening digital literacy, developing reporting mechanisms, and fostering a culture of responsible online behavior are key tools for creating safer digital communities.
Statistics on cyberbullying in Europe
One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying
Sources: WHO/Europe 2024. Figures are indicative; verify latest data before publication.
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15% of adolescents (around 1 in 6) have experienced cyberbullying, with the rates closely aligned between boys (15%) and girls (16%).
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The latest data from 2018 to 2022 shows a concerning increase in cyberbullying, with boys cyberbullying others rising from 11% to 14% and girls from 7% to 9%.
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Similarly, reports of being cyberbullied have escalated from 12% to 15% for boys and from 13% to 16% for girls.
If you are experiencing cyberbullying
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Don’t engage, but do preserve
The instinct to reply, defend yourself, or retaliate usually feeds the situation.
Before doing anything else, document everything: take screenshots of messages, posts, comments, and profiles, and make sure each capture shows the date, time, username, and URL.
A built-up record is what police, schools, and platforms act on, so treat preservation as your first move even while you feel like reacting.
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Use the platform’s own tools
Block the person, restrict who can contact or tag you, set accounts to private, and report the content through the platform’s reporting flow.
Reporting on-platform is separate from reporting to authorities and is worth doing in parallel, since it can get content removed faster.
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Tell someone and don’t carry it alone
Isolation is what makes cyberbullying most damaging.
Tell a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or trusted adult.
If you’re an adult, tell a friend or colleague. Naming what’s happening out loud reduces its power and gives you a witness.
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Get the right help in Greece
For psychological support and guidance, the Greek Safer Internet Centre Help-Line is reachable at 210 6007686 (phone, chat, or email via help-line.gr) and lets you describe what’s happening without giving personal details.
To report illegal online content, use SafeLine.gr. For criminal matters, the Cyber Crime Division of the Hellenic Police handles online harassment, threats, and blackmail.
For non-consensual intimate images, the Take It Down tool lets people request removal. In an emergency, call 100 or 112.
Although “cyberbullying” isn’t named as such in Greek law, Article 312 of the Penal Code covers harm caused by continuous cruel behaviour, and online conduct may also amount to threats, defamation, insult, harassment, or personal-data violations, all of which can be reported.
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For primary school students
Be Safe Online printable handout for primary school students.
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For students
Greece has a government platform for reporting incidents of school violence and bullying, where reports reach the school unit and a specialised team of educators and psychologists responds.
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Protect your wellbeing
Mute notifications, step away from the device, and don’t doom-scroll the abuse.
Cyberbullying targets your sense of safety, so rebuilding routine, sleep, and offline connection is part of coping, not a distraction from it.
How to ask for help
Organizations, helplines, and support resources.