Site to Help More Young People Report Online Harassment

Many young people are exposed to online harassment, but far from all report it. Now a platform is being relaunched to provide advice, support – and help with police reporting.

» Published:

Site to Help More Young People Report Online Harassment
Photo: Erik Nylander/TT

Share this article

Every fifth young person has been exposed to online harassment in the past year, or has experienced someone writing derogatory or negative comments about them online. This is shown by the report "Swedes and the Internet" from the Internet Foundation, which was released at the end of September.

Now, a platform, Näthatshjälpen, is being relaunched to provide support, advice, and guidance for those who have been exposed to online harassment.

We know that this is an area where a lot is happening, but unfortunately, far from everyone reports it, says Helene Öberg, Secretary-General of the Crown Prince's Foundation, which is taking over the operation of the platform together with Tele2.

Näthjälpen was originally created in 2019 by the Make Equal Foundation. The idea is for the platform to be an information support, but also a concrete way to report online harassment to the police. The site has "tens of thousands of visitors every month".

We have had a lot of dialogue with the police. We want to create a clear structure and form so that the police can take it further, says Öberg.

Nearly every fourth young boy, 12-19, has been exposed to online harassment in the past year.

Without being an expert, I think it may be because boys are often in contexts with a tougher climate, says Öberg and continues:

But regardless of whether it's boys or girls who are affected, it's about children being able to speak up and take a stand. We don't want to end up in a situation where online crimes are normalized.

* Gather evidence

Take screenshots of what you've been exposed to and save them digitally. A first reaction may be to just delete, but don't do that.

* Show someone else

Ask someone else to look at the message or comment you've received. That person can be a witness in a potential trial.

* Describe clearly

When you're reporting the crime, it's good to be clear and objective. A timeline is good, where each event should be included, such as screenshots or similar.

Source: Näthatshjälpen/The Crown Prince's Foundation

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Suspected Attempted Murder in Malmö as Woman Assaulted

Suspected Attempted Murder in Malmö as Woman Assaulted

National Road 90 Reopens After Landslide in Västernorrland

National Road 90 Reopens After Landslide in Västernorrland

Study Finds Electric Bicycles Riskier Than Electric Scooters

Study Finds Electric Bicycles Riskier Than Electric Scooters

Notorious Enköping Meteorite Now on Display at Stockholm Museum

Notorious Enköping Meteorite Now on Display at Stockholm Museum

Parachutist Critically Injured in Västerås Championship Landing

Parachutist Critically Injured in Västerås Championship Landing

Suspected Contract Killer's Extradition from Iraq to Sweden Sought

Suspected Contract Killer's Extradition from Iraq to Sweden Sought

Sweden Allocates 550 Million Kronor for Environmental Measures

Sweden Allocates 550 Million Kronor for Environmental Measures

Government Ends Current Student Support System

Government Ends Current Student Support System

Left Party Summons Ebba Busch to Discuss Kiruna Relocation Support

Left Party Summons Ebba Busch to Discuss Kiruna Relocation Support

Court of Appeal Reduces Sentence for Young Man in Helsingborg Murder Case

Court of Appeal Reduces Sentence for Young Man in Helsingborg Murder Case

Sweden to Establish Suicide Investigation Commission in 2026

Sweden to Establish Suicide Investigation Commission in 2026

First Extradition from Dubai to Sweden Under New Agreement

First Extradition from Dubai to Sweden Under New Agreement

Heavy Rainfall to Impact All of Sweden This Weekend

Heavy Rainfall to Impact All of Sweden This Weekend

Two Seriously Injured in E4 Bus Accident Near Linköping

Two Seriously Injured in E4 Bus Accident Near Linköping

Sweden Democrats Leader Lindberg Addresses Stegrud Filming Controversy

Sweden Democrats Leader Lindberg Addresses Stegrud Filming Controversy

92-year-old man detained for suspected murder in Staffanstorp

92-year-old man detained for suspected murder in Staffanstorp

Kiruna's Strength Endures Amid Housing Challenges, Says Councilor

Kiruna's Strength Endures Amid Housing Challenges, Says Councilor

Kebnekaise South Peak Shrinks 1.5 Meters This Year

Kebnekaise South Peak Shrinks 1.5 Meters This Year

Teachers to Get More Planning Time Amid Criticism of New Reform

Teachers to Get More Planning Time Amid Criticism of New Reform

14 Drownings Reported in August, Highest Summer Toll Since 2018

14 Drownings Reported in August, Highest Summer Toll Since 2018