Online bullying or threats — who do I report this to?
For online bullying, sextortion or threats: (1) Helpwanted.nl (Offlimits) 020-261 5275 — free help and advice, specialised in image removal and sextortion. (2) Police — report via 0900-8844 or online politie.nl/aangifte. (3) Platform report — report directly to Instagram/TikTok/X/Snapchat via “report” button, request profile + content removal. (4) For severe cases (threats, stalking): 112. (5) Slachtofferhulp Nederland 0900-0101 for emotional support + legal advice. Important: collect evidence (screenshots with URL + timestamp) before blocking or reporting — afterwards you often lose access. For minors: involve school + parents, plus Helpwanted for nude-image removal.
Step by step
- 1Collect evidence before blockingScreenshot everything with URL, date, time, username visible. For video: screen recording. Save outside the platform (cloud / email to yourself). Block only after.
- 2Call Helpwanted.nlCall 020-261 5275 — specialists in sextortion, nude-image removal, youth bullying. Free, anonymous. Open Mon-Fri 09:00–17:00.
- 3Report on platformVia “report” button on Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat. Choose specific reason (harassment, nudity, threat). Platforms usually respond within 24–48h on clear violations.
- 4Police reportThreats, stalking, defamation: report via 0900-8844 or online. Stalking pattern (art. 285b Sr): up to 2 years prison. Ask for case-file number.
- 5School + parents for minorsFor students: involve mentor / school confidant. For nude images of minors: child-porn hotline (offlimits.nl) — they coordinate national removal.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
What is sextortion and what do I do as a victim?
Sextortion: blackmail with (often fake) nude images, often via Instagram/Snapchat. Don't pay, don't respond further. Collect evidence, block account, call Helpwanted.nl 020-261 5275, file police report. 90% of perpetrators disappear once exposure stops.
When does bullying become criminal?
General bullying: civil + school/work. Criminal from: threats (art. 285 Sr), defamation/slander (art. 261-262 Sr), stalking (art. 285b Sr, 6 months+ pattern), incitement to violence, child porn. When in doubt: police or Helpwanted help classify.
Do Instagram/TikTok reports actually work?
For clear community-guideline violations (nudity, threats, violence): usually within 24–48h. For grey area (harassment, repeated tone): less often successful. Helpwanted has direct lines to platforms for severe cases.
What if the bully is anonymous?
Police can subpoena platform for IP addresses + account data. Works mainly for serious crimes (threats, sextortion). For “normal” bullying with fake accounts: unfortunately usually only block + evidence for future escalation.
How do I get published images or text about me removed?
Direct platform: report + removal request. On refusal: GDPR removal request to website owner + Dutch DPA complaint. Doxing/intimate images: Helpwanted.nl has fast takedown route.
Can I report cyberbullying anonymously?
Limited: anonymously via Crime Stoppers 0800-7000. For action against perpetrator official report needed (with “address confidentiality” via police). Slachtofferhulp guides the process.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
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