You might come across internet users who repeatedly insult others via their specific accounts, whether that’s a friend, someone you know, influencers or celebrities.

They might try to discredit or humiliate them or encourage others to join in with the bullying behaviour, all through offensive comments or content online. This is what’s known as an online troll.

They might use their own account, or you might find that they use a ‘spam account’ which doesn’t reveal their real information or identity, so they hide behind this fake profile.

What to do about an online troll or trolling behaviour?

If their sole purpose is to tear down or insult others and you or someone you know finds the behaviour upsetting, you can report it to the company or app where the trolling is happening (whether that’s Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, video games or anywhere else).

You can usually report a specific user, a video or comment. If it’s you who’s being trolled online, you can also report it and even block the person. Ask your friends to report it too, as the more it’s reported, the more the problem – or the person – can be found and dealt with.