Cyber-bullying: 6 steps that actually work
A simple guide for children and parents in Estonia: what cyber-bullying is, what helps, what doesn't, and where to get help straight away.
Cyber-bullying is one of the biggest online risks for children in Estonia in 2026. Police data shows that one in three Estonian children aged 9–14 comes across cyber-bullying at least once a year. Below are six steps that a child and a parent can take straight away.
Quick answer
If you're being bullied online, the most important things are: don't reply, save everything (take screenshots), tell one adult you trust, and block the bully. If you need help right now, call the child helpline 116 111. It's open 24/7 and answers in Estonian, Russian and English.
What is cyber-bullying?
Cyber-bullying is mean behaviour online that keeps happening: insulting messages, sharing photos without permission, spreading lies, leaving you out of group chats. One nasty message on its own isn't bullying yet. When it keeps happening, it is.
Step 1: Don't reply
The bully wants a reaction. If you stay silent, there's an 80 % chance they lose interest within 7 days.
Step 2: Save everything
Take screenshots of every message, profile and comment. Keep them somewhere safe: your phone's gallery, an email to yourself, or Google Drive. Don't delete anything until you've talked to an adult.
Step 3: Tell one adult you trust
Pick one adult you trust: mum, dad, a teacher, an older brother or sister, a grandparent. You don't have to tell everyone at once. One adult who listens is enough.
If you don't know who to tell, call the child helpline 116 111. It's free and anonymous, and you can talk in Estonian, Russian or English.
Step 4: Block the bully
Every app lets you block people: Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Instagram, Roblox. Blocking someone protects you, and there's nothing weak about it.
- Snapchat: Profile → long-press the user → "Block"
- TikTok: Profile → three dots → "Block"
- Discord: click the username → "Block"
- Roblox: Profile → three dots → "Block"
Step 5: Report them to the app
Every app has a "Report" button, so use it. The teams behind these apps do act on repeated bullying, especially when lots of users report the same person.
Step 6: If it's serious, go to the police
If the bullying includes threats (against you or your family), sharing your personal details (address, school, photos) or blackmail, it's a crime under Estonian law. You can report it here: cyber.politsei.ee/report.
For parents: 5 rules
- Don't jump straight to "block them and move on". Listen for 10 minutes first, without giving advice.
- Keep the screenshots somewhere safe, even if your child wants to delete them.
- Talk to the teacher if the bully goes to the same school.
- Don't call the bully or their parents yourself. That often makes things worse.
- On the CyberSafe for Children course we practise these steps through games and pair work, so your child knows what to actually do.
What happens on the children's course?
CyberSafe for Children is our 2-academic-hour in-person course for 9–14-year-olds. We play games, look at examples and work through real-life situations. It costs €150, groups are small, and it runs in Estonian, Russian or English.