Contents
Cyberbullying on Instagram is a serious issue affecting people of all ages in the UK. Whether it involves abusive comments, threatening DMs, impersonation, or targeted harassment, Instagram has tools to report and block bullies. This guide also covers your rights under UK law and where to get support.
Recognising Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying on Instagram can take many forms: repeated abusive or threatening comments, creating fake accounts to harass someone, sharing someone’s private photos or information, encouraging others to bully or exclude someone, sending threatening or intimidating direct messages, and creating group chats to mock or target someone.
How to Report Cyberbullying on Instagram
Report a comment: Swipe left on the comment → tap the exclamation mark (!) → select “It’s abusive or harmful” → choose the specific type (bullying/harassment). Report a DM: Long-press the message → tap “Report” → select the reason. Report a profile: Go to the profile → tap three dots (···) → “Report” → “It’s posting content that shouldn’t be on Instagram” → “Bullying or harassment.” Report a story: While viewing the story → tap three dots → “Report” → select the reason.
Instagram Safety Tools
Restrict: Restricting someone means their comments on your posts are only visible to them, and their DMs go to Message Requests. They won’t know they’ve been restricted. This is ideal when blocking might escalate the situation.
Block: Blocks prevent someone from seeing your profile, posts, or stories. They cannot message you or find you in search.
Hidden Words: Go to Settings → Privacy → Hidden Words to filter offensive comments and DMs automatically. You can add custom words and phrases to filter.
Limits: Temporarily limit comments and message requests from people who don’t follow you or who recently followed you. Useful during targeted harassment campaigns.
UK Law on Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can be a criminal offence under UK law. The Malicious Communications Act 1988 makes it illegal to send threatening, offensive, or indecent messages. The Communications Act 2003 (Section 127) covers grossly offensive messages sent via electronic communications. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 covers persistent unwanted contact that causes distress. The Online Safety Act 2023 places new duties on platforms like Instagram to protect users, especially children, from harmful content.
If the cyberbullying involves threats of violence, sexual content involving minors, or ongoing harassment, report it to the police. You can report non-emergency incidents to your local police force or contact the police online at police.uk.
Support Resources for UK Users
Childline: 0800 1111 (free, 24/7) for under-18s experiencing bullying. NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child. Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) for emotional support. Anti-Bullying Alliance: anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk. Internet Watch Foundation: iwf.org.uk for reporting child sexual abuse imagery.