When should cyberbullying be reported to the police?

Reporting cyberbullying to the police is warranted primarily in situations where there are serious concerns about safety or legal violations. When threats of violence, stalking, hate crimes, or the circulation of explicit messages or photos are involved, these issues can represent significant criminal activity that goes beyond typical bullying behavior. Such actions imply a clear threat to an individual's safety, which necessitates law enforcement involvement to protect the victim and investigate the matter further.

Other circumstances, like frequent occurrences among students or emotional distress felt by the victim, while concerning, do not always meet the threshold for police intervention unless they escalate to include threats or illegal activities. Additionally, addressing issues that occur strictly on school grounds typically falls under school authority rather than police jurisdiction unless there is a clear danger or crime involved. Reporting should align with the severity and implications of the cyberbullying incident.