1. Preserve evidence without amplifying it

Keep relevant links, dates, account names and screenshots before hiding conversations. Avoid reposting the messages widely, which can expose the targeted person further.

2. Report and protect your conversations

Use content and account reporting. You can also block, mute or limit replies. Tool names vary by platform. Check its help centre for the current steps.

3. Get support

Talk to someone you trust. For a young person, a trusted adult or school staff member can help. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services in your country.

If you witness it

Avoid reactions that increase an abusive message’s reach. Offer support privately and report what you saw. Do not promise an outcome you cannot guarantee.

Put this guide into practice

With someone you trust, prepare a file of useful links, dates and screenshots. Avoid publicly reposting content to denounce its author: this can increase its circulation.

How to assess the result

Evidence is kept in a protected space and a trusted person knows about the situation.

Editorial exercise; adapt it to your situation and keep sensitive details out of your notes.

Your next step

  • Useful evidence preserved.
  • Content reported and unwanted contact limited.
  • A trusted person informed.

A concrete example

Situation. Someone receives repeated hostile messages and sees their name discussed in a group. The immediate goal is to reduce exposure and seek support without entering a public argument.

How to try it. They keep relevant messages with dates and context, adjust contact controls and use reporting tools. A trusted person can help organise evidence without spreading it further.

What to check next. If they feel threatened or in immediate danger, they contact the relevant emergency services. They do not have to manage moderation, reporting and their wellbeing alone.

Sources & method

This guide provides an editorial synthesis and exercises. The references below offer further reading; their authors do not endorse this portal.

Editorial responsibility: Alexis RZG, WORLD SOCIAL NETWORKS. Suggest a correction.

A question before putting this into practice

Should I answer every message to set the record straight?

You can stop engaging and seek support. Preserve useful evidence without reposting attacks or exposing others, then use the guide’s reporting resources. A trusted person can help organise next steps and reduce exposure while you take them.