Revenge porn, doxxing, deepfakes, and social media stalking are all tools used by online abusers, leading to a significant increase in Google searches for ‘how to report online harassment’ in 2024 alone. Research indicates that approximately 44% of internet users have experienced some form of online harassment, with YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook being the most common platforms for cyberbullying. Women are particularly vulnerable, with a 27 times higher risk of online cyberbullying compared to men. Independent Advisor Broadband has obtained data through Freedom of Information requests, revealing the top 10 UK cities with the highest number of police reports for online harassment and cyberbullying between 2021 and 2023.
Manchester tops the list as the UK’s online trolling hotspot, with Greater Manchester Police recording a staggering 771 reports per 100,000 people. Over a three-year period, Manchester accounted for 46.7% of all reports in the UK, with a total of 64,821 incidents. Despite a population of 2,800,000, GMP reported 29% more incidents per 100,000 people than the second closest constabulary, Cleveland. Speaking of Cleveland, this north-eastern county ranked second on the list, with 598 incidents per 100,000 people since 2021. Despite its small population of 557,000, Cleveland averaged 3,331 reports annually, equivalent to approximately 9.1 incidents per day. The area experienced a 20% decrease in reports from 2022 to 2023, with a total of 9,994 reports in the last three years.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary takes the third spot on the list, with 262 reports per 100,000 people in the last three years. With an average of 4,320 reports annually, this translates to approximately 11.8 incidents per day in Avon and Somerset. Since 2021, the area has reported a total of 12,959 cases of online harassment and cyberbullying, with a population size of 1,650,000.
Cumbria, West Mercia, and North Wales closely follow with around 250 incidents per 100,000 people each, while Cambridgeshire rounds out the list with 105 incidents. On the other end of the scale, Essex Police recorded the fewest number of online harassment and cyberbullying reports, with just 5 incidents per 100,000 people between 2021 and 2023. Similarly, reports in Leicestershire Constabulary decreased by 45% during the same period. In contrast, Dorset has experienced a significant increase in reports, with cases rising by a staggering 64% between 2021 and 2023.
VICTIMS OF HARASSMENT: HOW TO FIGHT BACK AND PROTECT YOURSELF
In today’s digital age, online abuse and cyberbullying have become prevalent issues that can have a devastating impact on individuals. If you find yourself being targeted by online harassment, it is crucial to remember that it is not your fault. This is the advice from Valeen Oseh-Ovarah, a former Cyber-Crime Investigator and CEO & Cybersecurity Founder at TisOva.
Instead of blaming yourself, Oseh-Ovarah suggests showing kindness to yourself and redirecting your attention towards the perpetrator. By practicing self-compassion, you can remind yourself that you are not to blame for the harassment you are experiencing.
One important step in dealing with online abuse is to document all evidence. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence if legal action needs to be taken. Make sure to keep records of all communication, including screenshots of texts, images, videos, and chats. While it may be challenging to do so, this documentation will help demonstrate the harm caused and can be valuable when reporting the incident to law enforcement, social media platforms, or internet providers.
Reporting cyberbullying and online harassment incidents is of utmost importance. By reporting these incidents, you ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and prevent others from becoming victims. It is essential to report the incident to the platform where it occurred, the police, or someone you trust who can take necessary actions.
Remember, you are not alone in this fight. By following these steps and seeking support, you can protect yourself and take a stand against online harassment.
