Online abuse and harassment can occur in various online environments, including social media, online messaging apps, email and text messages. It can involve threats, embarrassment, humiliation, false allegations, or expressions of discriminatory attitudes and beliefs.
Learn more about what online abuse and harassment can look like, and what you can do if you, or someone you know, is experiencing it.
Online abuse and harassment can be extremely distressing, so it’s crucial to understand what you can do to keep yourself safe and the steps you can take if you are abused and harassed online.
Find out more about different types of online abuse and what you can do.
You can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice about an online issue impacting you or someone you know.
Our helpline is open weekdays from 8am til 8pm, and weekends & public holidays from 9am til 5pm.
Call 111
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or someone else.
Anyone threatening to physically hurt you or damage your property is breaking the law.
Keeping a record
If you are the target of online bullying, abuse, harassment or criminal behaviour, it's essential to capture digital evidence of what’s been going on.
Although deleting the content may seem like a quick solution, contacting Netsafe or a law enforcement agency for advice first is often a wiser approach. Here's our guide on how to record digital evidence effectively.
We’ve worked with Spectrum Care to create plain language online safety guides and resources for people with an intellectual disability, and those who support them.
People use the internet in different ways and these guides can help them stay safe.
The Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) is New Zealand legislation in relation to certain online behaviour. Find out what redress is available with Netsafe support.
From cyberbullying at school to workplace bullying, we can help you navigate the different forms of bullying online.
Sometimes young people will see inappropriate, offensive or illegal content online even if they haven’t sought it out. Here's our advice on what you should do if this happens.
Get the low-down on unsolicited nudes and what you can do if you've received one.
Learn about 'fake news' and top tips for how to spot it and stop it spreading.
Learn how to identify impersonation scams and get tips to help you stay safe online.
Read our advice on how to recognise the signs of abuse and where to get help.