Three teenagers a day

Cyberbullying is getting out of hand, according to Rat auf Draht

Cyberbullying is becoming more and more prevalent, warns Rat auf Draht. According to the report, the advice center received 725 calls from victims this year up to October - an increase of nine percent compared to the same period last year, it said on Wednesday. 

Why is bullying happening? One reason that is very often mentioned is revenge. "Bullying is often based on real conflicts. Bullying serves as a form of retaliation, especially if the young people feel safe in the anonymous space of the internet," says Christine Piriwe, advisor at the emergency number 147. Peer pressure and the fear of being excluded from the group also play a role: many young people adapt to the group in order to avoid being excluded or becoming a victim themselves.

Those affected are advised to talk to someone they trust, not to stay alone, to secure evidence, to report hate comments and to block the people concerned. In a counseling session with Rat auf Draht, they also consider together what measures they can take themselves and where additional support is needed.