What You Need to Know about Trolling and Online Abuse

Image of Adrienne Katz
Adrienne Katz Award-winning cyberbullying expert
Guide

This free online safety guide focuses on trolling and online abuse. Trolling is a form of cyberaggression. The guide takes a look at how to tackle a range of potential risks such as a poor mental wellbeing, damaged reputation and age-inappropriate language.

A free online safety guide on trolling and online abuse.

Trolling is a form of cyberaggression. It involves the sending of malicious, abusive or derogatory messages by one user (a ‘troll’) to another user online, with the intention of upsetting or harassing them, or damaging their reputation. Trolling is often anonymous and does not meet the definition of bullying, yet has the potential to develop into online bullying. Trolls will often goad others until they react. They enjoy putting people down and causing discord, starting arguments or being inflammatory – stirring things up for their own entertainment. Trolling may take the form of a one-off offensive comment, hate speech or even threats made online.

In the guide, you'll find tips on avoiding potential risks such as mental wellbeing, damaged reputation and age-inappropriate language.